Shark anglers still fish in traditional method

Though modern shark hunting techniques provide an edge over the traditional method, shark catchers in Thoothoor and Chinnathurai regions of Kanyakumari, known the world over for their forte in deep-sea shark hunting, continue to use traditional methods (manual hooks and line) successfully.Sharks may have brought new economic benefits and profits to thousands of anglers, who work along the lush stretch of coastline in these fishermen hamlets, but their problems remain unchanged. Gone are the days when the anglers approached the boat owners to get a job for deep sea fishing. Now, every angler here has a boat. So the owners now have to run from pillar to post to get the anglers for deep-sea fishing. One phenomenon that has changed their marketing methods is the advent of the mobile phone. Eppin of Thoothur said that before he got his first cell phone a few a years ago, he used to arrive at port with a load of fish and hope for the best. The wholesaler on the dock knew that Eppin's catch would not last long in the scorching sun. So he was forced to take whatever price was offered. Now he calls several ports while he is still at sea to find the best price, playing the dealers against one another to drive up the price. "They are forced to give us more money because there is stiff competition," said Benitto, who estimated that his income had tripled to an average of Rs 5,000 a trip. Addressing their plights, Human Rights activist Justine Antony of Thoothur said: "Shark anglers are constantly away from home. The duration per voyage is 25 to 30 days. This makes them sojourners and aliens in their homes," he added. There is no regular income for the family. The share from each voyage is generally settled at the time of going home from their fishing base, which often takes a few months. They have no practice of sending money by demands draft, money order or cheque for the daily requirements of the family. This lands the family often in debt. The fishermen have to pay higher than the market price for diesel as they are not the natives of the place and find it difficult to get supplies. Workers prefer to go for fishing in the boats that have tape recorder, GPS, fish finder, etc. The boat owners, without these facilities find it difficult to get required crew.