Koli fishermen are the family’s breadwinners, but they also do housework, especially when the wife is away or unavailable. In addition to their domestic duties, Koli fisherwomen manage various outdoor activities, such as taking processed fish to local markets or selling them as mobile vendors in residential areas, contributing significantly to the family income.
While his father prepares food for the family, Rahul Bhalia prepares for the next day’s venture. Phones are their only means of contact with the coast in case of sea danger, so Rahul ensures they are fully charged along with all other battery-operated equipment.
Wholesalers purchase fish in large quantities at the auction and often maintain established relationships with fishermen and auctioneers. After the auction, they transport the fish to distribution centres, which can be local markets or larger hubs.
On days when fishing is not possible, Rahul Bhalia takes advantage of the tidal movements to catch fish in shallow creeks and mangroves. Fishermen set traps or barriers in tidal zones and collect the catch as the tide recedes. Mud crabs, commonly found in mangroves, are particularly targeted using this method.
The main fishing season in Mumbai begins after the monsoon rains, usually in August, when the seas are calmer and safer for fishing. The peak fishing season runs from September to April, during which the weather is favourable, and fish populations are abundant due to the nutrients that the monsoon washes into the sea.
Flags and brightly coloured floats mark the fishing area. The size and type of net may vary depending on the boat size and the crew’s hauling capacity. Most fishermen operate small boats, which can accommodate a maximum of two or three people. These boats typically place four to five nets in one area.
The boat’s bright colours make it easy to spot at sea. Each boat has a unique name, often including the owner’s name and registration number. Small boats usually have a powerful motor, which provides power to steer the boat at sea.
Rahul Bhalia, a 26-year-old resident of Khar Danda Koliwada, a fishing village, assists his father, Rakesh Bhalia, in running fishing operations. Rahul and his father operate a small boat instead of working on larger trawlers. While trawlers offer safety and extended time at sea, they come with high operational costs. The father-son duo's preference for a small boat allows them to operate at lower costs.
Rahul Bhalia had a strong interest in fishing from an early age. He dropped out of school to join his father at sea when he was just 10 years old. Knowledge transfer in the Koli community primarily occurs within families, where parents, particularly fathers, teach their children about fishing. From a young age, children accompany their fathers on fishing trips, observing and gradually participating in various activities.
A typical fishing day starts early in the morning, often before dawn, while it is still dark. Only local fishermen are allowed to fish in designated areas, safeguarding their traditional fishing rights and practices. Proper licenses and permits are required to engage in fishing activities. This regulation helps control the number of fishing vessels and manage fish stocks effectively.