Kochi: Fishermen in Lakshadweep's Bitra Island got a massive catch of 4,800 tuna the other day.

The fish entered the lagoon in big numbers and finally landed in the nets of local fishermen. Though various varieties of fish enter the lagoon, the fishermen and other islanders were upbeat and in a festive mood following the huge catch of tuna.

After coming to know about the arrival of the fish in large numbers, the fishermen spread the nets and pulled the catch ashore using ropes.

Island resident and engineer Musthafa said each person who came to see the huge catch was given 10 tuna fish each as a gift. About 70 families received fish for free.

The remaining fish catch was sold to the boat owners.

The price of a small tuna on the island is Rs 30 to 40. Once it reaches the mainland, the price goes up to Rs 150.

Musthafa says today each house on the island has dried tuna, locally known as 'maasu'. To prepare maasu, fish is boiled in saline water of the sea, smoked, dried and preserved like pieces of wood.

Usually, tuna is preserved for use during the monsoon season. A variety of tuna called Skip Jack is normally used for this purpose.

The fish catch received here is a smaller version of tuna which in local parlance is known as 'kanadiya' and 'laddi'.

How tuna is caught

Catching tuna using a long stick with a hook tied at one end is the traditional fishing style of fishermen in Lakshadweep. Live sardines are used for baiting. Sardines are thrown in areas having tuna. When tuna comes near the boats, they are caught using the hook attached to the long stick. Since this method helps in catching the fish continuously, the fishermen are assured of getting large quantities always.

(Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep)