Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 8: Naveen Bangera, secretary of Purse-seine Fishermen Association, Udupi wing requesting the court to permit them to continue fishing operations on the court said grounds in terms of the orders dated December 21, 2018, January, 21, 2019 and February, 6, 2019.

He was speaking at the Udupi press club here on Thursday, February 7, Naveen said, “Purse-seine boats are not using LED lights in fishing operation and now use only metal halide lights. The said lights are not banned as per the said orders and the petitioner/we should be permitted to continue fishing operations in respective areas as per the terms and condition of licence issued in their favour.

“All the above said orders and notifications are very clear that use of LED lights, submerged LED or surface, LED are not permitted. We are not using the same and hence should be permitted to continue fishing operations by using only metal halide lights and also undertake that we will not use LED lights, submerged LED or surface LED, as per the order of the court on various dates by following the conditions imposed on licence and as per official memorandum dated August 29, 2016 and order dated November 10, 2017.

“Let the court pass a long lasting verdict and it should allow purse-seine boats' fishermen to undertake fishing operations as earlier. The impractical court decision has led to confusion in our profession which is the only way to earn our livelihood,” he said.

Naveen Kotian, Guru Bangera and others were present.