Seasonality and Alternative Activities Sample Clauses

Seasonality and Alternative Activities. The seasonal variation in offshore commercial fishing as well as small scale coastal activity within the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea is summarised below: · December to February – mid to low season due to unfavourable winter weather conditions. Typically fishing undertaken by 50% of the commercial fishing fleet or less; · March to April – high season with fishing particularly favourable during dull, cloudy weather conditions when electric lighting to attract fish is particularly effective; · 1 May to 1 June – during this season when kilka species are spawning and migrate to the Northern and Central Caspian Sea fishing is prohibited; · July to August – mid - low season due to sunny and cloudless weather; and · September to November – high season with fishing particularly favourable during dull, cloudy weather conditions when electric lighting to attract fish is particularly effective. Generally heavy tonnage fishing vessels, as well as smaller coastal fishing boats stay relatively idle during May- September, as well as during short-term demurrage (several days) in winter (December-March) due to varying weather conditions. Small scale fishermen interviewed reported high and low seasons consistent with the above; however, they reported carrying out fishing activities all year round. It was reported that windy days would be the only days small scale fishermen would stop their activity. During low season, alternative economic activities undertaken by fishermen to support their socio-economic status and household income include the following11: · Maintenance or overhaul of vessels; · Repair or construction of fishing gear; · Selling fishing equipment; · Finding temporary work as labourers in the construction sector; and · Small scale private businesses selling (trading) foodstuff and agricultural products.