A day at the Shankarpore fishing harbour (by Rahul Roy)

For decades fishing has been the sole livelihood for the inhabitations  of Shankarpore, a beach front in West Midnapore. Apart from being a tourist spot with breathtaking seascapes the place is known for its budding fishing industry. The natives,  mainly fishermen and their families make up for the scanty population of this beach paradise. As they say, the art of fishing has  passed down from one generation to another, from father to son. It has become a part and parcel of their simple life. For the men the day begins by collecting dead turtles, sea shells, oysters and small fishes that have been washed ashore by the sea. As the dawn breaks fishermen set sail on their trawlers and venture far into the sea for fishing. While those with small boats fish nearby. At the same time life becomes busy at the harbour where fishermen and labourers get ready with huge barrels for collecting the days catch. As loaded boats start to come in, huge chunks of ice are brought to preserve the fish. The ice blocks are prepared from the sea water by a special process in nearby factories. Each block is carried by two men with the help of bamboos that they support on their shoulders. Every morning and evening, before leaving and after returning the fishermen perform a traditional ritual. They give some offering to the boats and say a small prayer as it is the only source of their daily bread. At times they even sleep in their boats.

The fishing harbour is situated in a creek that has protruded inwards from the sea.  Boats, trawlers, launches and small canoyees of various shapes and sizes are kept along the creek. There is a 132 m long Fish landing jetty which has eased the pre project scrambling of fishing vessels for landing, berthing space and related facilities and fishing gears. Fishing activities in this region have received a new momentum with creation of better infrastructure.. Also there is a big market nearby where all the catch is sold. The jetty is also equipped with fuel, repair berth, water, approach arrangements together with workshops, power distribution system, auction hall and sewage disposable facilities. All the days catch is not sold. Some of the catch is kept for drying. The fishes are dried on huge nets that are hung from the mast of the boats. Sometimes the fishes are also left on the open ground for better drying. Turtles, shrimps, giant lobsters and prawns comprise the bulk of the catch and are the main items of export. Not only marine fishing equal importance is also given to traditional inland fishing activities of the region.

          Fishing has always remained an integral part of the lives of the people of this place and will remain so. The way traditional techniques of fishing have been entwined with modern marketing strategies and equipments are something to learn from. This tradition is also a fine example of an age old practice and profession which the locals have transformed into a mission with a passion.