The disquiet among local fishermen over the increasing arrival of fishing boats from other States at harbours in Kochi is an indication of the crisis-like situation gripping the maritime fisheries sector, according to fishermen’s union. “There is virtually a fish drought. Effective steps are needed to overcome the crisis,” said Charles George of Matysa Thozhilali Aikya Vedi.
The Ernakulam District Matsya Thozhilali Union had recently expressed concern at the rise in the number of fishing boats arriving from other States at harbours like Munambam.
The situation has resulted in a condition wherein local fishermen are losing out on their catch, the union had said. It also wanted the authorities to act against the said fishing boats which were also allegedly engaged in juvenile fishing.
Mr. George said fishing boats, particularly those from Tamil Nadu, had traditionally been utilising harbours around Kochi for the last more than 50 years. Distant-water fishing boats from places like Tutur and trawl net boat operators from Kolachal have also been coming to Kochi.
More recently, there was an agreement that such fishing boats could land at the harbours by paying an annual user fee of ₹25,000 each. The concern expressed by fishermen indicated the dwindling sea resources, and it is time the government stepped in to address the issue, he said, adding that there was also a need for strict regulation on juvenile fishing.
“What is needed is a comprehensive approach to the maritime fisheries crisis, with more fishing boats and fishermen trying to tap the limited resources in the seas,” he said.
