Making the fishing net.
With the money we advanced them, Chande and the other fishermen were able to get the main tool of their trade, the deep sea fishing net, made. The materials are very expensive, and three expert netmakers from Dondra (a town in the south) had to be hired for about 600 rupees per day (about US$6) plus room and board while the net was being made. Three locals were paid to assist them as well.
When Chande came to pick up some money to buy materials for the large net, he brought a big styrofoam box with a broad smile on his face that spoke for him. The box contained paraw fish and squid that the fishermen had caught with a smaller net, and so it was smaller fish, but the men were back at sea making a living.
Making the net is a time-consuming process — it took two weeks for the six men to finish — but its completion is symbolic of these people gradually regaining control over their lives again, as now they're less dependent on others to sustain themselves.
The netmakers hold the net with their toes to keep the pieces taut while sewing them together.
Making pouches to be attached to the net out of coir rope (made from coconut fiber). The pouches will hold round pieces of kabook rock about the size of two cricket balls that weigh the bottom of the net down.
Crocheting a sheath for the nylon cord that goes along the edge of the net and acts as sort of a drawstring. The white things are styrofoam floats that keep the top of the net at the surface.
Detail of the sheath and the cord.
A deep sea fishing net is enormous, so it must be made in sections. The basic netting is bought in long strips about 5 feet in width. This man is using a special large needle and thread to join the strips of netting to make the finished fishing net.