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Docking Lives

by Ajay Singh

India

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The largest industry in Malpe comprises of fisheries and since I was in this part of the country, I decided to pay a visit to the Malpe Fish Port. To be able to witness the peak time of activity I had to be there before dawn. The drizzle had stopped and daylight was filling the cloudy grey skies. Pounding voices of fisher-folks echoed through announcing the auctioning process. The stench of the fish seemed inevident for the Vendors who browsed through the fresh catch sprawled around the dock.
The largest industry in Malpe comprises of fisheries and since I was in this part of the country, I decided to pay a visit to the Malpe Fish Port. To be able to witness the peak time of activity I had to be there before dawn. The drizzle had stopped and daylight was filling the cloudy grey skies. Pounding voices of fisher-folks echoed through announcing the auctioning process. The stench of the fish seemed inevident for the Vendors who browsed through the fresh catch sprawled around the dock.
Moving over to the dock area, I met fishermen who had spent over two week's at sea. Sendhil and his family have been in the commercial fishing industry for more than 15 years. His son Murugan (Holding a 'Cuttle Fish' in the picture) explained how difficult it is to sell this variety of fish, because of their messy nature and risk of inking in transit. He went on to say that this months catch was far less due to bad climatic conditions. All said and done, I developed utmost respect for our fishermen as they brave the hard weather conditions to bring back a better living for themselves.
Moving over to the dock area, I met fishermen who had spent over two week's at sea. Sendhil and his family have been in the commercial fishing industry for more than 15 years. His son Murugan (Holding a 'Cuttle Fish' in the picture) explained how difficult it is to sell this variety of fish, because of their messy nature and risk of inking in transit. He went on to say that this months catch was far less due to bad climatic conditions. All said and done, I developed utmost respect for our fishermen as they brave the hard weather conditions to bring back a better living for themselves.
As the clouds were clearing I noticed Sendhil's crew member Murali looked very pleased to port after a long time spent at sea. He expressed how happy he was, to be meeting his family. He seemed fit and agile, well accustomed to wrapping up the fishing nets in bundles until they use them for their next stint at sea. He gladly posed for a shot.
As the clouds were clearing I noticed Sendhil's crew member Murali looked very pleased to port after a long time spent at sea. He expressed how happy he was, to be meeting his family. He seemed fit and agile, well accustomed to wrapping up the fishing nets in bundles until they use them for their next stint at sea. He gladly posed for a shot.
On the aft side of the boat the others were inspecting the fish nets. Rama Swami was the most experienced member among the crew. He sailed on commercial fishing boats for over 35 years. Smoking his local beede he looked unperturbed while he carried out his mundane routine.
On the aft side of the boat the others were inspecting the fish nets. Rama Swami was the most experienced member among the crew. He sailed on commercial fishing boats for over 35 years. Smoking his local beede he looked unperturbed while he carried out his mundane routine.
I looked down the fish hold's hatch to get a glimpse of the lone crew man Biju. He stood between heaps of Sardines holding on to his shovel, frantically dumping the fish into baskets. By his gestures one could clearly notice he was in a hurry to get rid of the fish that kept his company. The baskets were then heaved to the upper deck by his fellow crew members so as to transport the catch off the vessel. His blank stare almost made me realize how mentally restrained he was to completing his chores.
I looked down the fish hold's hatch to get a glimpse of the lone crew man Biju. He stood between heaps of Sardines holding on to his shovel, frantically dumping the fish into baskets. By his gestures one could clearly notice he was in a hurry to get rid of the fish that kept his company. The baskets were then heaved to the upper deck by his fellow crew members so as to transport the catch off the vessel. His blank stare almost made me realize how mentally restrained he was to completing his chores.

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