Mangaluru is on track to establish India’s inaugural floating jetty for fishing, marking a pioneering development in the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Located at the third phase jetty in Hoige Bazaar, the construction of this innovative facility has commenced under the auspices of the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC).
The jetty’s design features concrete pontoons, known as Fan toons, which will anchor it securely in the middle of a water body. This setup includes ropes extending to the riverbanks, facilitating easy access for light vehicles.
MLA Vedavyas Kamath emphasised the transformative impact of this initiative, stating, “The fishing port will be developed in line with the Smart City concept.”
Fishermen currently face challenges at the Bunder sea port, where traditional boats lack adequate anchorage. MLA Vedavyas Kamath highlighted the project’s significance, noting, “The floating jetty for traditional boats will bring about a significant change in the fishing sector.”
The floating jetty addresses critical needs by providing stable anchorage and efficient unloading facilities for small boats. This improvement is crucial as traditional fishing boats currently struggle with quick fish transfers, which are necessary to prevent spoilage.
Plans are also underway to replicate this initiative at Malpe port in Udupi, further enhancing coastal infrastructure for fishermen in Karnataka.
The floating jetty in Mangaluru promises to revolutionise operations for traditional boat fishermen, ensuring smoother operations and reduced spoilage, thereby bolstering the local fishing economy.