Mumbai: The coastal belts in Uttan near Bhayandar are now haunted by a dangerous trend —“Paaka Fishing” initiated by a section of their unscrupulous counterparts from Gujarat and Daman for their own selfish gains.
‘Paaka fishing’ involves usage of tangus threads or fishing wires, which are usually 3 to 4 kilometres in length and tagged with more than 1,000 hooks at regular intervals.
These wires are dropped deep down into the waters to hook a breed of fish known as Vaam (eel) which hibernate in the muddy bottom of the water.
“While a single haul of around 30 to 40 eels fetches them around Rs 30,000, the consequences of such type of fishing has endangered lives of traditional fishermen of this region who are always at the risk of getting hit by the detached hooks resulting into fatal injuries.” revealed Ajit Gandoli, a local fisherman.
“ The fisheries minister has assured to look into the matter and put an end to such lethal methods at the earliest.” said Leo Collaso.
