[Reader-list] Law to regulate marine fishing opposed

[T Peter]

Law to regulate marine fishing opposed
Date:26/12/2009 URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/12/26/stories/2009122653650400.htm

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Federation and the
National Fish Workers Forum are on the warpath against the proposed
law to regulate marine fishing.

T. Peter, president of the Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Federation, asked
the Centre on Friday to withdraw the bill prepared for the purpose as
it would adversely affect the traditional and small fishermen and
bring forward a law for protecting the livelihood and job security of
those sections. He said these fishermen now operated in places that
were 30 to 40 nautical miles away. The provision that they should
obtain the Centre’s permission for operating beyond 12 nautical miles
could be seen only as interference in the traditional rights of the
fishermen. He wanted them to be allowed to operate freely in the
Indian Ocean. He wondered how the Centre could ignore even the
recommendations of the Murari Committee appointed by it to encourage
traditional and small fishermen to take up deep-sea fishing. The bill
provided for the imposition of a fine of up to Rs.9 lakh on those who
violated the 12 nautical mile limit even if it was due to strong wind
or currents. Even though Union Minister for Environment and Forests
Jairam Ramesh had promised to hold talks with the fish workers on the
bill, it was yet to take place.

He also called for extending the savings-cum-relief scheme being
implemented during lean months to all fish workers.

After shifting 60 per cent of the fishermen to the APL list, the
government was saying that it would be given only to the BPL sections.
He called for correcting the stand. All fishermen should be brought to
the BPL list.