Goan Fisherfolk Suffer Huge Losses as Rough Seas Keep Boats Anchored

As of November 4th, 2025, the coastal areas of Canacona in Goa have been facing a significant disruption in the fishing industry due to rough seas and heavy rain over the past 10 days. Many fishing boats, including large trawlers and small mechanized vessels, have remained anchored at jetties and on the beaches, unable to venture into the sea.

The president of the Akhil Goa Kshatriya Samaj, Rudresh Namshikar, has stated that the fisherfolk have suffered huge economic losses as a result of the bad weather conditions. The inability to go fishing has led to a scarcity of seafood in the local markets, causing a spike in prices and leaving the common people in the area struggling to access affordable seafood.

The situation has had a cascading effect on the coastal communities. Some fisherfolk are now unable to pay their bank loans, while others have reported damage to their nets and other fishing equipment due to the strong currents and sand drifts. Shack owners, who rely on the availability of fresh seafood, have also been unable to meet their customers' needs.

The impact of the inclement weather has been felt across the coastal belt, with residents of nearby areas like Loliem, Poinguinim, Chiplem, and even Chaudi having to travel 10-15 km to the fish markets in Majali, Karwar, in the neighboring state of Karnataka, only to find a shortage of fresh fish there as well.