Poinguinim: At the moment the year when the intensity of the rain subsides and a reduction in the level of the Talpona River, youth, and fans began fishing on a stretch of mid-stream rivers.
What’s unique is – they practice fishing methods that are rarely called ponn’nn.
A group of young men guided by seniors in their respective regions – Gotcamolem, Ardhofond, Borkoifond and Cornomolem near Bhatpal – have worked for a short and challenging fishery season.
This is an innovative fishing method that uses a mix of environmentally friendly and special materials that are made special and at all there is no point in boats or nets.
The concept is simple.
Establishing two obstacles or Bundh physically in strategic stretching rivers is all this is needed to channel the river flow – the surface of the water is not even profound – and the fish lands blindly into the trap.
The first barrier or Bundh was partly established with rainy season waste – debris and several mud and stone on both sides.
Only small gaps are stored to allow water to flow into the main trap.
“Bundh’s work (from the first barrier) has been completed,” said Michael Pereira group member.
Work requires patience and hard work.
The timer can even find themselves to tear their hair, because heavy rains and increased flow of water can clean the barrier.
“Bundh must stand strong and it is a boring job to strengthen it for four to five days,” said an Accroyd Fernandes participant.
“Often, it collapses with flow and boys must devote their time to defend it and strengthen it,” Peter Fernandes, a veteran with 25 years of experience, said.
While Bundh is being established, it works simultaneously to prepare traps or TATTs in local parlances – flat iron bars, woven with wire mesh must be done by members.
This year, five young men have been involved in fishing in Gotcamolem.
“Preparing for any iron tatt fees between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000,” said a young Man Niraj Kankonkar.
After ready, TATT was established on the downstream side of Bundh and the fish swim with falling flow, as easy as prey, on the TATT.
But fishing is more productive at night and rotation, they keep the vigil above catch.
“We have to spend the night on the river or beavers can get out of water and take our catch,” said Trifen Fernandes.
Although the use of iron slats with mesh may have been added in recent years, fishing practices have been sustainable since the past.
“Our ancestors handed over our expertise,” said a senior citizen from Ardhofond Rosario Barreto.
This method is common in a remote area of Goa even though the material used may be different.
In Canacona, it is only practiced on the Talpona River, because the river flows that are exhausted in some stretches facilitate this practice.
After working hard for more than a week, they finally reaped fruit when the fish caught the ground in the TATT.
“We hope to restore our investment this year,” Fernandes said.
There are no boats, no nets: in Talpona, youth catch fish by leading them into the trap
