There is a growing demand from mechanised fishing boat owners of Tuticorin for expanding the fishing harbour here.
The boat owners of Muthu Nagar Association sought the intervention of the district administration to initiate adequate steps for the expansion.
During the fishermen grievances redressal meeting, which was presided over by R. Muthu, District Revenue Officer, convened here on Friday, several boat owners said the number of mechanised vessels had been increasing but infrastructure at the fishing harbour was inadequate to accommodate all boats.
Boats were being moored in a congested manner at a cramped space. The association members said a total of 240 fishing boats had been engaged from the fishing harbour every day. They also submitted a petition to the district revenue officer.
M. Johnson of Threspuram alleged that effluents from a private power plant were being let into the sea thus polluting the marine environment and sought the officials’ attention to control it.
A pollution control board official replied that inspection would be made and action would be taken based on the findings. Michael of Punnaikayal alleged that mechanised boat fishermen had been damaging fishing nets of country craft fishermen and while seeking compensation from the mechanised boat owners association, the complainants were asked to mention the registration numbers of vessels allegedly involved in causing damages to such nets.
Mr. Michael said such incidents of damages often occurred at night hours and it was difficult for the country craft fishermen to view the registration numbers. Hence, he sought stickers reflecting the numbers with an increased visibility.
R. Amal Xavier, Joint Director of Fisheries, Tuticorin Region, P. Isaac Jeyakumar, Assistant Director of Fisheries (Marine), and others attended.
