Kozhikode: The fisherfolk are in struggle as jellyfish get trapped in their fishing nets. All ports in the district face the difficulties due to jellyfish. The fisherfolk working in smaller boats are mostly affected by the attack of jellyfish.
When they throw fishing net to catch fish, jellyfish get into it in large numbers. As they are too heavy, the net gets damaged easily. The fishermen said that the availability of fish also decreased after jellyfish arrived in the area. As they get more jellyfish than fish in the net, they are compelled to abandon the catch in the sea.
When jellyfish come in contact with skin, it causes inflammation and burning sensation. Also it causes itchiness and irritation on skin. So, it is difficult to get rid of the jellyfish trapped in the net too. We have to wash the skin in cold water to get a relief, the fishermen said.
As jellyfish are found anywhere in the sea, they get caught in the net easily. Due to this situation, people hesitate to venture into the sea. Jellyfish attack intensifies during the season of prawns. With this, the smaller boats that have expenses over Rs 30,000 for single trip, are compelled to return with losses.
