Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Jan 10: Thousands of fishermen from three coastal districts organized a massive protest on Friday, January 10, demanding an immediate ban on unscientific light fishing and bull trawl fishing. The protest, led by the State Traditional Country Boat Fishermen’s Federation, took place at Trasi beach in the coastal region. Over 3,000 fishermen from the three districts gathered for a large meeting, with thousands of boats anchored and a roadblock staged on National Highway 66.

Bantwal MLA Gururaj Shetty Gantihole addressed the gathering, stating that no new fishing homes have been approved in the Byndoor constituency for the past one and a half years, and even the previously approved homes have been blocked. He highlighted the lack of progress in rebuilding the Gangolli port jetty and emphasized the government's responsibility to understand the difficulties faced by country boat fishermen. Shetty called on authorities to take strict action against unscientific light fishing, which is harming both the fish and the fishermen’s livelihoods.

Approximately 1.5 lac traditional fishermen from the three coastal districts are concerned about the future consequences of unscientific fishing practices. They warned that these methods would lead to a depletion of fish stocks, making fishing unsustainable. The fishermen called for a shift to scientific, eco-
friendly fishing practices to protect both the environment and their livelihoods.

Former MLA K Gopala Poojary also addressed the crowd, stating that he had already brought the issue of unscientific fishing to the attention of the ministers and the government. He urged the government to take action and find solutions to the problem, as no progress had been made despite previous efforts. Poojary also called for an increase in subsidies for fish oil to support the traditional fishermen.

Somnath Mogera, a representative of the Traditional Country Boat Fishermen’s Federation from Uttar Kannada district, criticized the authorities for not understanding the struggles of the fishermen. He pointed out that despite several attempts to raise awareness, the government and officials had not addressed their concerns. Mogera urged the government to implement the court orders regulating unscientific fishing and ensure fair opportunities for sustainable fishing practices.

Nagesh Kharvi, president of the Karnataka Traditional Country Boat Fishermen’s Federation, expressed frustration that despite a decade of efforts to raise the issue with authorities, no action had been taken. He warned that if the government did not respond to their demands, the fishermen would continue protesting and take further action, including protests in front of district offices.

Vasant Suvarna, a member from Dakshina Kannada district, pointed out that unscientific fishing practices, particularly by capitalists, were exacerbating the problem. He urged the government to enforce the court orders to protect the rights of traditional fishermen and allow them to practice sustainable fishing.
Udupi Fisheries Department joint director Vivek assured the fishermen that necessary actions would be taken, including discussions with higher authorities and the implementation of recommendations from the task force. He mentioned that notices had already been issued to those involved in illegal fishing, and appropriate measures would follow.

The protest was supported by traditional fishermen from various areas, including Gangolli, Maravante, Udupi, and Uppunda. It brought attention to the urgent need for regulatory action to preserve traditional fishing methods and safeguard the livelihoods of local fishermen. The protestors demanded justice and the enforcement of laws to protect their rights.

Police security, including 13 officers under the leadership of Gangolli PSI Harish and Basavaraj Kanashatti, was deployed to maintain order during the protest.