Bhimavaram-based shrimp export companies have made the Gilakaladindi harbour their home for dressing and skinning of the shrimp production, letting huge quantity of untreated water into the Bandar Reserve Forest (BRF), threatening the breeding of marine fish species.
Despite a fishing ban, the shrimp cultivated in West Godavari district is being transported to the harbour by export companies for skinning and dressing, while the Department of Ports and Fisheries Department reportedly chooses to remain silent on the activities. The Department of Fisheries is one of the stakeholders who monitors the implementation of the ‘fishing ban’ for the safe breeding season of the marine species.
On May 9, The Hindu had photographed the untreated water that was being released directly into the BRF. In the forest, effluents have formed into a layer. In some points, the water has stagnated, posting a threat to marine fish species in the breeding season. The BRF is home to Asian Seabass and wild crab.
“In the harbour, we only grade the fish catch. The port authorities are allowing private shrimp export companies to use the harbour for unscientific practices that would disturb the marine diversity of the reserve forest, despite there being doubts over the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the shrimp cultivation,” Srinivasa Rao Tammu told The Hindu .
Mr. Rao is one the dozens of the fisherfolk who depend on the forest for marine fish round the year including the fishing ban period.
Speaking to The Hindu , Port Department Conservator Mr. Durga Nageswara Rao confirmed that they did not seek any proof from the shrimp export companies on the methods and use of any antibiotics for the shrimp cultivation. He has confessed that he had no clue on the impact on the marine species due to the effluents released into the BRF by the private companies.
The fisherfolk engaged in fishing in the reserve forest are expressing fear of mortality of the marine species, apart from pollution in the harbour surroundings. Many fishermen are complaining of a stink emanating from the effluents.
On the other hand, tension flared at the harbour as local fisherfolk decided not to allow the vehicles of private companies who cite that they preferred the harbour given the availability of the women workforce in Machilipatnam.
