READY: Pink Perches all packed and ready to be despatched to the value addition centre at Brahmavar in Udupi district. — Photo: R. Eswarraj

MANGALORE: The fishing season has started on a positive note as the multi-day trawler fishermen landed a record catch of cuttle fish on Friday. Fishermen expect a good catch of other varieties in the following days.

According to sources from the Fisheries Department, members of the Mangalore Trawl Boat Association landed over 65,000 kg of export-variety cuttle fish that cost Rs. 85 a kg in the market. Deputy director of the Fisheries Department Suresh Kumar said this season was special for fishermen as they were equipped with a modern landing and auctioning centre and a hygienic fish handling centre that have been released for their use from Friday.

The Government had also concretised the fish landing centre, movement areas, ice plant area, parking area and shoulders of the landing areas at a cost of Rs. 37 lakh that would help maintain hygiene Mr. Kumar said.

The auction hall and the handling centre have been carefully designed and constructed ensuring a hygienic environment for auctioning the fish. The floor and the walls have glazed tiles with proper drainage facility and an elevated platform for storing the fish catch.

Water jets have been provided to ensure cleanliness throughout the day, Mr. Kumar said.

At the hygienic fish handling centre air curtains had been fitted to keep hot air and insects from entering the hall and there was also provision for fixing air-conditioners in the future.

The port was equipped with powerful high mast lighting system for ease during night landing, Mr. Kumar said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail