The Ramponkars and fisherman of Cavelossim Beach

The Ramponkars and fisherman of Cavelossim Beach - one of the beaches in South Goa) say that their numbers are dwindling . Rampon was once an integral part of Goan society,. In this traditional method of fishing, a long net is dropped in a semicircular fashion over a distance of a couple of kilometres from a canoe. The ramponkars then haul the net from the sea with a variety of live fish. The bumper catch is then sold off and the profits shared among the ramponkars. Availability of fish in the market during the 'Monsoon' is limited. due to the compulsory fishing ban during that period. Traditional fishermen or 'Ramponkars' do not venture into the sea due to its rough nature. THe Ramponkars live along the coastline of Goa which stretches for over 105 km. The tradional community based fishing using rampons had an inbuilt system of conservation but with the advent of mechanisation of fishing canoes this eco-balance has being recklessly exploited by the modern fishermen The ramponkars have, after a long battle succeeded in getting their demands of implementing an exclusion zone for trawlers and on monsoon fishing The Kharvi, who are also known as Tari,[1] are a community found in Goa.Some are Christians,[2] while others are Hindus.[3] They have various sub-groups, among which are the Arrikars, Kantaikars, Magkars, Pagelkars and Ramponkars.[4] They are distinct from the Gabit community found mostly in northern Goa, although they share a similar traditional occupation.[5] Found chiefly in the coastal talukas of Mormugao, Salcete and Tiswadi, the Catholic Kharvis generally speak the Konkani language but some use Portuguese. They write Konkani using Roman script. Arranged marriages are common but not prevalent, and monogamy is practised. The traditional joint family arrangements are increasingly giving way to the nuclear family. Their principal diet is rice and fish curry but meat and vegetables are also important constituents.[5] While the Kharvis are traditionally a significant group among the fishing community of Goa, many of the younger generation have moved away from that occupation and also from the area. They are increasingly to be found working in Europe and the Gulf countries, from where they send money back to their families in India. The traditional modes of fishing in Goa have increasingly been supplanted by mechanised methods and the investment required for this, plus the gains to be accrued, have led to an influx of non-Kharvi communities to the industry. This shift to mechanisation has been encouraged by both the national Government of India and the state Government of Goa since the 1970s,[3] and it had first become evident after the annexation of Goa by India in 1961.[5] Those who remain in Goa as fishermen — the women sell the fish — operate in groups of around 25 people. These groups are named and fishing licenses are granted under that name rather than to individuals. The groups share a common fishing vessel and nets, as well as a communal shed, and their catches are divided equally between the members.[5] As of 1996, the Kharvi in Goa were designated as an Other Backward Class in the central list maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). At that time their representation said that they prefer to be known as Kshatriya Marathas but the NCBC listed them as "Koli, Kharvi (including Christian Kharvi)".[1][2] BY Avinash V Raikar, Sharon D'Cruz This paper attempts to study the lifestyle of the ramponkars, a traditional fishing community of Goa, and the effect of modernisation on their socio-economic position. The ramponkars' agitation is a classic case of a conflict against marginalisation and exploitation of marine resources. The exploitation itself was a collective design wherein the state was aligned with the mechanised trawler owners, and displayed a lackadaisical approach towards the ramponkars' problems. The ramponkars have, after a long battle, succeeded in getting their demands on implementing an exclusion zone for trawlers and on monsoon fishing. However, the recent technological changes adopted by the traditional fisherfolk themselves are unsustainable and will ultimately result in the intensification of the 'tragedy of the commons'.