Discussions with Fisherfolk Societies, Gorai - 26-2-16

Date:              26^th Feb 2016

Time:             11.00 to 12.30 pm

Venue:           Gorai Macchimar Society

Topic:             To discuss with them issues of Fisher folk

Members:    Chairmen – Mr. Alex Aitolea, Vice Chairman – Mr. Mathew Vasaikar, Secretary – Mr. Nevil D’Souza

CSA Staff:     Mrs. Sheetal Palande, Mr. Dayanand Patil,

CCO Staff:     Sr. Christel, Miss Nasim, Mrs. Natal

Sr. Christel introduced the CSA Staff & Society Staff. Then a discussion was initiated on the Problems faced by fisherfolks.

The members shared that they faced many problems that was connected to the changing environment and its effects on the ocean and consequently on the fish catch.

They also shared on the condition of their Fishing Nets which was perishing due to the water contamination. They expressed the fact that there was no guarantee in this livelihood as they face problems associated with losses incurred due to increase in diesel prices and also they face other problems like lack of space for storing of fish in a cold storage.

They expressed that they would like to have more awareness programs like the Training conducted earlier by CSA on Boat Engine Repairing. They were open to the proposed Financial Literacy Training, however they also faced practical problems like when they are at home they are not able to take time out because they function under the guidance of the Nakhva (Boat Owner) who assigns various tasks to them when they are on the shore.

After discussing with them on the proposed trainings on Wireless and GPS Functioning, they readily agreed to take part and learn from it. The meeting ended.