Traditional boatmen's day out in Malpe

The fisherwomen were seen enjoying looking at the bounty. As there was good demand for prawns, the prwans got sold as soon as it was shifted from the boat to the port. With the ban on deep sea fishing, traditional boats go for fishing from Malpe port. “With the ban on fishing, there was high demand for fish. All the catch from traditional boats gets sold within few hours. A large number of people visit Malpe port when the traditional boats return from sea.”

The fish caught in traditional boats are also exported from Malpe port.

 The fish is preserved using ice. On the one hand, labourers are seen dumping the fish and on the other, it is preserved with ice.

“Sometimes, several traditional boats return from sea at a time. Normally, three to four tonnes of prawns are sold daily. As there is great demand, it is sold in kgs.”

Three varieties of prawns are sold in Malpe port daily. There is great demand for Prawns (white).

It is sold for Rs 220 to 230 per kg while ‘Thembal’ is sold for Rs 115 to Rs 120 and ‘Karkadi’ is sold in the local market for Rs 60 to Rs 70.