The Hindu : Proposal for 65-day ban on fishing flayed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 02, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Proposal for 65-day ban on fishing flayed

By R. Madhavan Nair

KOZHIKODE MAY 1. Strong protest is brewing in the State against the Central Government's proposal to impose a total ban on fishing for 65 days throughout the country.

A stern warning has also been sounded against the Government imposing measures like total ban on fishing that would deprive the large population of the State's fishermen of their means of livelihood. The Government has been warned such measures could trigger a social upheaval which would be difficult to control.

Social workers in fisheries sector believe fishermen are very much like Adivasis who are among the poorest among the poor and needed the Government's support in abundant measure.

The proposed Central Government ban is being vehemently opposed by social workers and fishermen, irrespective of their political colour, since no scientific study which justifies such a measure seems to have taken place.

The Managing Director of Matsya Board, A.P. Jayaseelan, himself has emerged as a strong critic of the proposed total ban. Mr. Jayaseelan said even though he was an ardent supporter of the UDF, he would make a formal appeal to the UDF Government not to impose the total ban on fishing, at a meeting called by the Fisheries Minister, K.V. Thomas, on May 13.

He voiced strong protest against the Central Government proposal while inaugurating a seminar on ` ban on fishing and fishermen' at the Police Club here today.

Mr. Jayaseelan has already held discussions with representatives of fishermen's unions and NGOs on this issue. The general opinion was against a total ban.

It is not known if a total ban would be beneficial to fishermen or if it will only spread misery and starvation during the 65-day ban .

The effects of the ban on trawling in monsoon already imposed in the State has not been studied properly yet. A committee headed by Dr. Madhusoodana Kurup of Cochin University of Science and Technology which was asked to study the effects of the ban on trawling during monsoon imposed as a measure to protect marine wealth has submitted only an interim report. The full report is expected after three years of study but the functioning of the committee has slowed down since it has not been provided sufficient funds.

The Chief Minister has pointed out there the State Government would be able to oppose the total ban on fishing only if there were really valid reasons to defy the Central Government proposal. Many other State Governments have already agreed to impose the 65-day ban.

The tone of other speeches made at the seminar, which was organised by the Malabar Coastal Institute for Training Research and Action (Mcitra), was also clearly against the Central Government proposal.

The speakers hoped the State Government proposal would meet with the same fate as the recent abortive move to allow mining of sea-sand. That proposal had to be shelved in the face of shrill public protests.

Experts point out a total ban on fishing that would cover the entire country would not be scientific since the situation in fishing sector and fish breeding habits differed sharply from place to place.

E.J. James, Executive Director of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), points out that no ban imposed by law would yield the desired results as long as it does not enjoy the backing of those who have a stake in its success (in this case fishermen).

What might be beneficial to fisherfolk in one State might turn out to be detrimental to interests of fishermen in other States. For that reason a total ban on fishing for 65 days throughout the country as proposed by the Centre could have an adverse effect on the livelihood of a large number of fishermen in many parts of the country, including Kerala.

Studies by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have shown that population of some fish varieties, like sardine, caught by traditional fishermen using traditional fishing methods has actually been rising. Deep-water fish varieties caught by mechanised fishing boats have on the other hand have shown a decline in population.

This shows a total ban that would affect both traditional as well as mechanised fishing along the lines proposed by the Centre is unwarranted.

The Fisheries Minister is reported to have already brought to the attention of the Union Minister of Agriculture, Ajith Singh, the adverse effects that the proposed ban would have on the fishermen community in Kerala, if it is implemented.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

`Uncertainty on VAT will hit States'

Five more fast track courts to be set up this month

Another strike seems inevitable: NGO Union

Atomic plant: Govt. exploring possibility

Proposal for 65-day ban on fishing flayed

`Irregularities' in teak felling

Hard times for virology institute

Kodoth, the scapegoat of Cong. feud