Kerala - Kollam   

Fishermen warn of stir against Centre’s policies

KOLLAM: The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation has registered its protest against the alleged anti- traditional fishermen policies pursued by the Union Government.

At a press conference here on Monday, State president of the federation T. Peter and general secretary A. Andrews said that the Indo-European Union deal had dealt a big blow to traditional fishermen. Sanction had been given to import a variety of fishes, including mackerels, sardines and anchovies, which earn traditional fishermen their livelihood.

They said while traditional fishermen had been warned against netting sharks and sea cucumbers, trawlers from foreign countries had been a free run in the Indian waters. They said the decisions being taken by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had adversely affected traditional fishermen. Such moves appeared to be aimed at manipulating an exodus of traditional fishermen from the coastal areas.

He said the tourism lobby in the State posed a big threat to traditional fishermen. The Federation will hold demonstrations in front of the AG’s Office in Thiruvananthapuram and the Head Post office in Kollam on September 13 to press its demands.

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