Koli fishermen have been struggling with depleting fish populations caused by environmental degradation and overfishing. To find more fish, they venture further out at sea, where rare species like tiger sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and sawfish accidentally become bycatch.
Once offloaded, the fish are preserved in ice and transported to wholesale markets. In Mumbai, there are several wholesale fish markets, including the Sassoon Dock Fish Market and Crawford Market, where the catch is further sorted, graded, and auctioned off to wholesalers, retailers, and fishmongers.
Upon returning, the nets are hauled to shore. Smaller fish are removed easily. However, larger fish tend to struggle and need to be disentangled carefully to prevent damage to the nets.
Nets are subject to enormous wear and tear and must frequently be repaired. Nylon is the preferred material for fish nets because it is light, cheap, and strong.
Koli fishermen know how to repair nets, and modest-sized nets can be repaired with the help of family members. However, major damage requires a specialized repair facility. These repairs are done by professionals who employ teams of men working together in large workshops.
Before setting out to sea, fishermen visit the Ganapati shrine to offer prayers. In 2004, this offshore platform was built on top of a naturally occurring rock formation.
Repairing damaged nets, instead of replacing them with new ones, is necessary because of their high cost. A high-quality fishing net carries a substantial price tag, often up to one lakh rupees. These nets have a lifespan of approximately six months to one year.
Rajesh Pardesi is adding an extra layer of nylon thread to strengthen the net. Net repair is learned through observation and practice, a skill passed down through generations. Rajesh acquired it from his grandfather and father by assisting them from a young age.
Until the twentieth century, nets were made from natural fibres obtained from coir, palm leaf, hemp, and grasses. Later, cotton was also used. In the 1950s, natural fibres began to be replaced by synthetic polymeric fibres, which lasted longer, were cheaper and lighter, and allowed for mass production in factories.