[Reader-list] Dwindling fish stock worries coast

[T Peter]

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram
Date:28/01/2008 URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/28/stories/2008012850250200.htm
Dwindling fish stock worries coast

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is a period of poverty and deprivation in the
coastal villages of the State.

Heavy depletion of fish stocks has pushed thousands of families to the
brink of starvation, according to the Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali
Federation (KSMTF). "It is unprecedented," says T. Peter, State president,
KSMTF. "Most of the common varieties of fish that are available at this
time of the year have disappeared," he says.

>From Indonesia


The federation feels that the operation of foreign trawlers is to blame
for the scarcity of fish. "The Central government has permitted 50
Indonesian trawlers to operate from Munambam for tuna fishing. These
trawlers operate in the coastal waters where traditional fishermen net
most of their catch," points out Mr. Peter.

The federation has urged the State and Central governments to deny
permission for foreign trawlers to operate in the coastal areas of Kerala.

Kerosene permits


KSMTF district president Valerian Isaac and secretary Anto Elias also
called on the Kerala government to issue kerosene permits for all outboard
engines and to enhance the quota of kerosene.

A press note quoting them alleged that a section of officials in the Civil
Supplies Corporation was choking the supply of kerosene to the fisheries
sector.

The federation has threatened to launch an agitation to press for its
demands.
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