The annual fishing conservation period began from midnight of Sunday even as various unions sought an increase in compensation being given to their members for loss of income.
The 61-day ban as per circular issued under Section 4 (2) AP Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1994, is applicable to all the mechanised and motorised boats. Hence, catamaran boat operators and traditional fishermen are not affected.
The ban will be enforced in the entire East Coast to allow various species to breed. Depletion of catch has led to observation of the ban initially for 30 days and subsequently for 45 and 60/61 days.
For the last two seasons, the State government has been giving a compensation of ₹4,000 to the fish workers for the loss of income during the period. Though 4,800 people are dependent directly and 6,000 indirectly, compensation is being given only for few people, allege the unions. The amount was distributed to 16,000 fishermen in the district.
“We have been asking the authorities to extend the benefit to dry fisherwomen and those selling fresh fish in the streets. Our appeals have fallen on deaf ears,” National Fisherfolk Forum general secretary Arajili Dasu told The Hindu .
He said the Tamil Nadu government was extending the benefit to those hit due to ban indirectly, and demanded an increase in compensation amount to ₹10,000 to meet their both ends during the conservation period.
Mutyalamma, a dry fisherwoman from Pudimadaka, said they were hit hard due to the ban as neither ration nor monetary compensation was being given to them during the two months.
Fishermen have also sought simplification of process for availing themselves of the compensation as the fisheries officials insist on lot of documentation.
