Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Boat operators threaten to defy fishing ban

— Photo:K.R. Deepak

Fishermen attending to repair work at the fishing harbour.

VISAKHAPATNAM: Angered over extension of annual conservation period from 45 days to 60 days, several boat operators are planning to defy the ban order issued by the State Government.

Sources told The Hindu that at a recent meeting held by the officials of Fisheries Department in the presence of scientists from Central Institute of Fishing Technology and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, the boat and trawler operators registered their protest over imposition of a 60-day ban in east coast while allowing the west coast for a 45-day layoff.

“We don’t know what will happen. The majority opinion is to resume fishing from June 1 though the GO wants enforcement of ban till June 15,” a boat operator said.

Both AP Mechanised Boat Operators’ Welfare Association and the Visakha Dolphin Boat Operators’ Association have found fault with the order on a 60-day ban. “What sort of uniformity in ban the government is following in east and west coast,” asked P.Ch. Appa Rao, president, AP Mechanised Boat Operators’ Association.

There is uncertainty over the fate of the ban with the government not yet taking any decision on the representation of fishermen. “In fact, the conservation system started in early 90s with our initiative and the GO came later.

Now we think we need research due to change in breeding cycle in tune with global climatic changes,” pointed out Ch. Satyanarayana Murthy, general secretary, Visakha Dolphin Boat Operators’ Association.

With the vessels tied to the fishing harbour from April 15, the owners are now devoting time for repairs and maintenance. About 25,000 fishermen and others eke out a living directly and indirectly on fishing by 400 mechanised boats and 30 mini trawlers.

Each mechanised boat is incurring an expenditure of Rs.1.5 lakh to Rs.2.5 lakh on painting, netting, plumbing and other works during layoff period. In view of crisis situation, the fishermen want the State officials should immediately release arrears worth Rs.11 crores due on diesel subsidy from mid-November, 2006 and curtail the ban period. A memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister during his recent visit for early release of the amount.

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