The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka to study causes for fish scarcity

The Karnataka Fisheries Department is planning to study the reasons for fish famine along the Karnataka coast. In this regard, the department is planning to constitute a panel of experts and veterans in the fisheries sector to conduct a scientific study on the issue, according to the Karnataka Fisheries Minister, Mr B. Nagaraja Shetty.

Laying the foundation stone for the cold storage and ice plant of Mangalore Trawl Boat Fishermen's Primary Cooperative Society in Mangalore on Monday, Mr Shetty said that the annual fish catch along the Karnataka coast is around 1.8 lakh tonnes. Due to the dearth of fish, fishermen are now venturing deep into the sea. The reason for fish scarcity needs to be studied. In this regard, there are plans to conduct a study with representatives from the scientific community and veterans in the fisheries sector, he said.

Of the annual fish catch of 1.8 lakh tonnes, Mangalore region alone contributes 80,000 tonnes. Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts contribute the rest. Mangalore region recorded a collection of 52,540 tonnes of fish till November end, he said.

HARBOUR EXPANSION

With increase in fishing activity along the Mangalore coast, there is a need to expand the fisheries harbour in Mangalore. A proposal has already been sent to the Karnataka Government in this regard. Mr Shetty said that he would speak to Mr H.D. Revanna — who holds the portfolio of Ports in Karnataka - in this regard. There is also a need to set up a cold storage at the existing fisheries harbour in Mangalore.

KFDC

Stating that the Karnataka Government has taken steps to revive the ailing Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC), he said the State Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 4.14 crore in this regard. At present, KFDC is supplying diesel for boats at Mangalore, Malpe and Karwar harbours, and is manufacturing ice at Bhatkal and Malpe harbours. The corporation also operates an aquarium at Cubbon Park and a fisheries outlet at Indiranagar in Bangalore.

The Karnataka Government has released 70,000 kilolitres of subsidised diesel to fishermen during 2006-07.

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