Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Feb 2: Udupi District Traditional Country Boats Fishermen Federation held mass protests in Gangolli fisheries port urging for action against fishing boats indulging in unauthorized and illegal fishing with the help of lights in Gangolli fisheries port.
“The state high court in the interim order has asked to conduct light based fishing after observing central government’s conditions and provisions. But fishing is in progress in Gangolli port in trawl boats illegally using generators. There is provision for fishing in 32 purse seine boats using lights. Sixteen boats are allowed fishing on one day and the remaining 16 boats are allowed fishing on the next day. But almost all the purse seine boats go for fishing violating rules,” said the protesters.
“Purse seine boats are allowed fishing five days prior to new moon day and ten days after that. Fishing is conducted in a boat using generator from another boat. We do not object to fishing by boats which have got permission as per orders from the high court. But action should be taken against those boats which violate the orders,” urged Fishermen Association president H Manju Billava and Byndoor Zonal Country Boats Fishermen Association president Anand Kharvi.
“Fisheries department officials have taken into custody and are conducting investigations about two unauthorised trawl boats which have installed generator without permission. Generator and huge lights are found in these boats. There is no permission to install generator in trawl boats. Therefore, an inquest will be conducted. The concerned boat owners will be called and senior officials will be recommended for suitable action,” said senior fishermen supervisor Diwaker Kharvi. Investigations are held in Gangolli coast guard police station.
Thousands of country boat fishermen announced fishing holiday and held mass protests in Gangolli port. They verified the purse seine boats returning to the port after fishing and urged for action against boats violating court orders.
Tight security was arranged under the leadership of Gangolli police station sub inspector Vasappa Naik and Gangolli coastal protection police station ASI Augustine Quadros. Additional D R police and additional policemen are deployed in port area for security.
Country boat fishermen from Gangolli, Byndoor and Malpe took part in the protests.