Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Aug 5: Kishore Survarna from the Fishermen’s Deep Sea Trawl Boat Association Malpe speaking to media persons here on Friday August 4 said, "The government must ban the use of small size fish nets, bull trawl boats and high voltage lights at night while fishing. The concerned department must also control the fishing of small fish."

The associaton pressurized the government to enforce stern laws on violaters. "The government, fishing department and research department should take strict measures on those who violate fishing regulations. The central and state governments must impose a ban on sale of small sized fish nets. More than 1000 deep sea trawls are in operation in Udupi. The fishermen here have voluntarily discontinued the use of small size fish nets."

Kishore Suvarna also added that the government should recommend and make the use 30 mm size nets compulsory instead of 16 mm as these nets will result in depletion in fish breeding. This must be stopped. In August, fishermen should go in for deep sea fishing.

"1.5 crore people in the nation are dependant on fisheries for their livelihood and only 15 factories are manufacturing nets. The use of small sized nets will adversely affect the lives of the fishermen. The Gujarat and Maharashtra governments have enforced strict rules on fishing nets used. The Kerala government has prohibited catch and sale of fishlets. This is a good initiative by the neigbhouring states to ensure protection of fish breeds," said Kishore Suvarna.

The Deep Sea Trawl Boat Association members pressurized the fishing department, Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Cochin to take strict action on any lawbreaker.

The meet was attended by Somanath Kanchan, vice president, Panduranga, treasurer, Ravi Suvarna.