As the discussion rages on the ban on fishing by mechanised and motorised boats within five nautical miles from the coast during the turtle nesting season in the State, turtle conservationists say the ban on motorised country craft and fibre-reinforced boats setting passive gear, is unwarranted.
They instead want a ban on trawlers and large gill netters, as well as motorised boats with engines above 10 horsepower. They also called for a ban on ‘Thirukkai Valai’ (Ray fish nets).
Supraja Dharini, chairperson, Tree Foundation - Sea Turtle Protection Force, said a ban on fishing by mechanised boats and mechanically deployed gear would protect turtles and also the livelihood of artisanal fishermen. Banning fishing by trawlers within five nautical miles would reduce depletion of marine life, she added.
Artisanal fishing
The main threat to sea turtles in their breeding season comes from mechanised fishing boats and trawlers, and not from artisanal fishermen, said Ms. Dharini.
Following a Madras High Court Order, the State government had issued a G.O. banning all fishing by both mechanised and motorised boats within 5 nautical miles of the coast from January to April. Fishermen from the coastal districts had protested against this order that had also given a list of fishing hamlets beyond which fishing was banned. This order was based on a similar one passed by the Odisha government, which is a major Olive Ridley Turtle nesting ground.
‘Fishermen helpful’
V. Arun and Akila Balu, coordinators, Student Sea Turtle Conservation Network, said fishing communities significantly helped the turtle conservation efforts along the State’s coast. “Fishermen are now part of turtle conservation programmes, and many are part of teams that walk select beaches recording wild nests or helping with relocation of nests to approved hatcheries,” said Mr. Arun.
‘Thirukkai’ nets are usually set parallel to the coast and close to the shore with mesh sizes large enough to entangle the heads and flippers of beach-bound mother turtles. Thus causing more harm, he explained.
Banning trawl fishing would reduce depletion of marine life, they say
