The Hindu Business Line : Fishworkers' forum seeks legislation on deep-sea fishing

THE National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has urged the Union Government to come out with legislation on deep-sea fishing to protect the interests of Indian fishermen.

Inaugurating the three-day national conference of fishermen - organised by NFF and the Coastal Karnataka Fishermen's Action Committee - in Mangalore on Tuesday, Fr Thomas Kochery of NFF said the lack of a proper fishing policy has led to the influx of more fishing vessels and foreign trawlers in Indian waters.

"Under the Marine Fishing Regulation Act, the States have control over waters till 22 km in the sea. Beyond that there is no regulation. In such a situation, we need legislation on deep-sea fishing," he said.

The legislation will help the Government to regulate the fishing activities in the deep sea.

It will also provide information on the number of fishing vessels operating in the sea and the quantity of fish available there.

The Government should take into consideration the recommendations of Majumadar Committee (1978) and Murari Committee (1997) reports while introducing such legislation. Stating that the Cabinet sub-committee has agreed for the introduction of such legislation, he said Parliament's approval is needed for this.

Explaining the woes of fishermen in various states, he said around 50,000 fishermen in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala were affected by the tsunami that hit these coastal states in December last year. Tsunami also affected nearly 90 per cent of fishing activity in these States.

In Gujarat, there is influx of new fishing vessels in the sea. As a result of this, fishermen are forced to enter Pakistan waters to in search of better fisheries wealth, Fr Kochery added.

Earlier, Mr Pramod Madhwaraj, President of the Coastal Karnataka Fishermen's Action Committee, welcomed the gathering.

Mr Harekrishna Debnath, NFF President, Mr N.D. Koli, General Secretary, and Mr D.T. Jayakumar, Karnataka Tourism Minister, were present on the occasion. Nearly 80 delegates from various coastal States are taking part in the three-day conference.

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