Various fishermen’s associations have demanded monetary relief to members of fishermen’s cooperative societies during the 45-day annual fishing ban.
Durai Mahendran of Tiruvallur Maavatta Paarambariya Aikiya Meenavar Sangam said, in most cases, single women and widows are left out.
“The cash is disbursed only to male heads of families.”
The government provides relief to fisherfolk who are members of cooperative societies during October-November.
The associations said the ban period should be decided upon after a proper scientific study was conducted.
“After the tsunami in 2004, changes have occurred in the ocean and catch dwindled due to various factors. What is needed is a study based on which a decision must be taken,” said Ko.Su. Mani of Tamil Nadu Meenavar Makkal Sangam.
Nanjil Ravi of Akila Indhiya Meenavar Sangam said though fishermen from Tamil Nadu stayed away from the sea in order to allow fish breeding during the ban period, ships from foreign countries trawled the seas. “They use our diesel but don’t even employ our men,” he said.
M.D. Dayalan of Indian Fishermen Association said the government must study the fish breed area and place artificial reefs in the sea.
