Udupi, (The Hindu): With the work on the breakwaters expected to be completed in a couple of months, the Gangolli fisheries harbour is set to emerge as a second major fisheries centre in Udupi district.

The work on the breakwaters is nearly complete and would help in smooth movement of boats from the harbour to the sea and vice versa. The completion of work on breakwaters (north and south) would allow nearly 1,000 boats to be berthed at the Gangolli fisheries harbour. Presently, the boats from Gangolli, Shiroor and Hejmady get anchored at the Malpe Fisheries Harbour, the biggest harbour in the district.

There are 2,150 boats from Malpe registered at Malpe fisheries harbour. In addition to this, boats from other places come to Malpe to unload the fish they catch. This results in the Malpe harbour being filled. Good marketing facilities also attracts the boats from other places.

“There is a better market for the fish caught at Malpe fisheries harbour. If the fisheries harbour at Gangolli starts functioning in its full capacity, it will reduce burden on Malpe,” said Satish Kundar, president, Malpe Fishermen’s Association.

Ganesh Kharvi, a fisherman from Gangolli, said once the breakwater channel work is completed, the boats will be able to move in and out of Gangolli fisheries harbour round the clock.

“The boats from nearby places will start coming to Gangolli harbour instead of going to Malpe and our business will improve. If marketing is improved, it will provide further impetus to the fisheries here,” he said.

Wharf floor
Meanwhile, a five-metre-long wharf floor caved in at the Gangolli fisheries harbour last month. M.L. Doddamani, in-charge Joint Director of Fisheries, said that a team from Central Institute of Coastal Engineering and Fisheries, Bengaluru, visited the harbour and gave recommendations on the construction of the wharf floor. Accordingly, a proposal of Rs 1.7 crore for its construction has been submitted to the government and its construction will be completed within six months.