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Friday, Jun 15, 2007
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Law to protect monsoon fishing

Staff Reporter

Fisheries Minister says Bill will be introduced in the Assembly on June 19

The Left Democratic Front Government proposes to introduce a Bill in the Assembly on June 19 to protect monsoon-time fishing by traditional fishermen.

This was disclosed by Fisheries Minister S. Sarma at a press conference here on Thursday.

The State had enforced a 47-day ban (from June 15 to July 31) on mechanised trawlers in the past 18 years. The decision was taken on the basis of recommendations of a committee, headed by N. Balakrishnan Nair, appointed to study the impact of monsoon trawling on marine wealth. Various committees appointed later too had supported the ban.

``Even as they were against trawling, the committees did not recommend a ban on fishing. Following a Supreme Court verdict, the State had to impose a ban on fishing for 67 days last year. At the persuasion of the State Government, the Centre changed its stand and restricted the number of days to 47. A Supreme Court verdict this year has banned operation of all motorised boats above 10 HP during monsoon,'' the Minister said.

Mr. Sharma said the Government's stand on trawling and fishing was clear. ``Trawling affects marine resources. But fishing in surface waters does not. A total ban on fishing during monsoon will harm traditional fishermen because it is the time they earn to keep their hearth warm for the rest of the year. The ban will cause poverty deaths along the coast.''

The Minister said the proposed Bill would seek to protect traditional fishermen by allowing surface-water fishing.

Mr. Sarma said the coast guard would maintain vigil during the ban on trawling. Special control rooms will be set up and 22 reconnaissance boats pressed into service.

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