The National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) and Goa-based Goenchea Ramponkaranchea Ekvott (GRE) - bodies spearheading the cause of traditional fisherfolk - have demanded ban on foreign fishing vessels in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to protect the interest of small and traditional fisherfolk.
Seeking to remind the BJP of its election manifesto promise, the NFF on Saturday said they hoped the government at the Centre would implement the measures mentioned in the “BJP National Policy on Fishing and Fishermen”. The body also demanded the government to pass a Fishers’ Rights Act to ensure fishers’ right to livelihood and habitat.
In a memorandum submitted to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday seeking his intervention on the issue, General Secretary of NFF Olencio Simoes also demanded the Centre to enact a Central Marine Fishing Regulation Act to ensure regulation of fishing in the Indian EEZ.
It further said the regulation would ensure preferential access for small and traditional fishers with sustainability. It also demanded a ban on destructive fishing gears like bottom trawling and purse seining.
NFF and GRE reiterated their demand for 90 days’ uniform fishing ban in territorial waters and EEZ.
“There is urgent need to extend the fishing ban period to replenish the fish stock in the marine waters,” Mr. Simoes told The Hindu .
Mr. Simoes said a three month uniform ban on fishing separately for east and west coasts with provision for livelihood support to all affected small and traditional fishers at the MGNREGS rate must be ensured.
Other demands of the fisherfolk’s bodies included a comprehensive Coastal Regulation Zone Act to effectively stop the abuses on coastal land and waters, special attention to the rights of women fish workers, fishing rights of those affected by Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs), ratification of ILO Convention on Work in Fishing and extension of benefits to all workers.
