The National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) and Goa-based Goenchea Ramponkaranchea Ekvott (GRE) have demanded a ban on foreign fishing vessels in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the interests of small and traditional fisherfolk.
The two bodies are spearheading the cause of the traditional fishing community. Seeking to remind the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of its election manifesto promise, the NFF on Saturday said that they ardently hope that the BJP government at the Centre would implement the measures mooted in the ‘BJP National Policy on Fishing and Fishermen’.
They urged the Union government to pass an Act to ensure fishers’ right to livelihood and habitat. In a memorandum submitted to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar here on Saturday, the two bodies sought his intervention to approach the Union government with their demands. In the memo, General Secretary of NFF Olencio Simoes has demanded that the Centre must enact the Central Marine Fishing Regulation Act to ensure regulation of fishing in the Indian EEZ .
It has further stated that the regulation of fishing in the Indian EEZ should ensure preferential access for small and traditional fishers with sustainability. It has sought a ban on destructive fishing gears like bottom trawling and purse seining, and regulation of larger fishing vessels .
Among their various demands, NFF and GRE have reiterated their demand for 90 days’ uniform fishing ban in territorial waters and the EEZ. “There is an urgent need to extend the fishing ban period to replenish stock in marine waters,” Mr. Simoes told The Hindu on Sunday.
Mr. Simoes said that they want a three-month uniform ban on fishing separately for the east and west coast, with provision for livelihood support to all affected small and traditional fishers at rates applicable under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme rates.
Other demands include a comprehensive Coastal Regulation Zone Act; special attention to the rights of women fish workers (who fish, sort, dry and vend); ensure fishing rights to fishers affected by Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs); ratification of the ILO Convention on Work in Fishing; and extension of benefits to all fish workers.
