Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese fishing nets, called `cheena vala’ in Malayalam, flank the entrance to the Kochi harbour. Traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets here from the court of Kublai Khan. Fishermen in Fort Cochin still use these large nets, hanging from bamboo or teak posts to catch fish attracted by the lights suspended above the nets. It is a fascinating sight to see these fishing nets line the sea front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. The northern shores of Fort Cochin with huge elegant Chinese fishing nets add grace and charm to an already characteristic waterside view.

The nets, which are suspended from arced poles and operated by levers and weights, require at least four men to control. These nets are mainly used at high tide, when the system of counter balancing stones is quite a sight. One can buy fresh fish from the market here and have it grilled on the spot at one of the stalls. The fishermen walk along the wooden platform, pulling hard on ropes that pass through a pulley system. Like the net, these ropes also have rocks attached. At a certain point, the suspended rocks provide a counter weight easing the net out of the water and onto the platform.

The Chinese fishing nets have become a very popular tourist attraction, their size and elegant construction is very photogenic and the slow rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. In addition, catches can be purchased individually and need be taken only a short distance to an entrepreneur who will cook it.