MARGAO, May 12 -- Team Herald

As Goa's annual fishing ban approaches on June 1, activity at Cutbona jetty reflects the seasonal rhythm of an industry in transition. Most of the 200-odd fishing vessels are making their final trips, with crews hustling to secure one last productive haul before the monsoon-enforced hiatus. Workers load ice and supplies onto departing trawlers while others dismantle nets from boats that have already concluded operations.

This season proved challenging for many operators. "The catch was inconsistent," shared one boat owner. "We struggled early on with poor mackerel yields, though things improved somewhat later in the season," he said.

The migrant workforce-primarily from Odisha and Jharkhand-now prepares to...