Gusty winds of winter have started causing fishermen to move their boats to shorelines, bringing their nocturnal voyage on the sea to an end. The voyagers have barely enough body protection to fight the cold weather amid uncertain conditions, which always force them to end their trips.
The seafarers count that at least 650 small boats have reached Keamari's tiny islands this week, while 70 long-trip big wooden boats are on their way to moorage. Normally, there are about 2200 such boats, rotationally stay anchored around the islets.
"Fish and shrimp dwell on seabed in cold weather, unlike summer season, remaining out of fishermen's net reach," they said, adding that the net size was shorter by at least five metres than the sea depth of at least 20 metres. Fishermen call winter catch "white fish" species, including Mackerel, Queen Fish, Sardine Fish (Mori) and Indian Mackerel, which are largely netted for their soaring demand.
However, many still avoid shrimp catch during the season for their low demand and poor price, as voyage expenses always reach much higher than the catch market price. Other factors, including rising marine pollution and coastline dredging by Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for making the port channel deeper, also impel fish and shrimp towards deeper sea from their habitats.
"Lyari and Korangi Rivers bring into the sea tons of hazardous chemical substances causing the marine animals to move farther off the coastline," said President of Bona Fide Fishermen and Boat Owners Welfare Association, Asif Bhatti, on Wednesday.
Weak catch during the harsh winter season has made the fishermen return to their base to scale down their expenses, he said, adding that "local fishermen normally go on fishing without much body protection every winter". He said local fishermen have yet to adopt global fishing practices to protect themselves from weather furry and conduct fishing ventures with safety.
Criticising the federal government, the seafarers' leader said the livestock department had the responsibility to lay down guidance to fishermen and support them with required instrument to fight weather conditions and remain safe on deep sea. Asif said a majority of local fishermen carry second-hand leather jackets and warm clothes during voyages, which according to him, are insufficient to protect them from falling ill and weak to continue fishing.
Normally, with the onset of fall season, the local fishermen change their fishing schedules and begin nocturnal voyages, as nights are longer than days. Despite hostile weather conditions far from the coast, the seafarers protect themselves with traditional warm clothes during short and long trips every year in fall and winter seasons.
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