[Reader-list] Coast Guard seeks greater role in State waters

[T Peter]

Coast Guard seeks greater role in State waters

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/coast-guard-seeks-greater-role-in-state-waters/article8521895.ece

   - [image: T. Nandakumar] T. NANDAKUMAR
   <http://www.thehindu.com/profile/author/t.-nandakumar/>


State officials feel that handing over of abjudication powers to Coast
Guard may lead to harassment of fishers
[image: A Coast Guard vessel detaining a vessel for illegally entering the
Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.— Photo: PTI]
A Coast Guard vessel detaining a vessel for illegally entering the Indian
Exclusive Economic Zone.— Photo: PTI

n a move that could have serious implications for the fishing sector, the
Coast Guard has approached the State government seeking a greater role in
enforcement of marine laws in territorial waters under State jurisdiction.

The government has sought a detailed proposal from the Coast Guard before
finalising its response. “Giving the Coast Guard a greater role in
enforcement and regulation would require an executive order or an amendment
to the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1980,” says Director of
Fisheries Mini Antony, who held discussions with the Coast Guard Commandant.

“With faster vessels and infrastructure and better reach, the Coast Guard
would be in a better position to act against unlicensed vessels and
violations of territorial jurisdiction. They can coordinate with the
Coastal Police and Marine Enforcement wing to enforce marine laws and
enhance coastal security,” says an official.

But others feel that the move is fraught with danger. The State Act
envisages a limited role for the Coast Guard in enforcement and regulation.
While a panel of officials from the Fisheries Department and Coast Guard is
empowered to impound vessels, seize catch and impose penalty, the
abjudication power rests with officials in the rank of Deputy Director.

“Handing over abjudication powers to the Coast Guard could result in
conflict of interests and harassment of fishers,” says an official. “State
department officials with a better understanding of ground realities are
appropriate for the role.”

*Clashes off coast*

Meanwhile, tension has been building up following clashes between
traditional fishers and trawlers off the coast of Alappuzha and
Thiruvananthapuram last week.

Local fishermen allege that trawler boats, mostly from Tamil Nadu, were
intruding into areas demarcated for the traditional sector.

“The ban on night time trawling is also violated by these vessels,” says
Joseph Xavier Kalappurackal, general secretary, Kerala Fishing Boat
Operators’ Association.

The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) has warned that
the situation could escalate into a major confrontation unless the
government took steps to check the illegal trawling. Four fishers from
Andhakaranazhi in Alappuzha were injured in a clash at sea on Saturday
while trying to prevent trawling.

*Bottom Trawling*

The bottom trawling operations have led to dwindling catch for local
fishers. “The period from April to mid-May is considered a boom time, but
this year the boats are returning with very poor catch,” says T. Peter,
secretary, National Fishworkers Forum.

Ms. Antony said the coastal police and Marine Enforcement were keeping a
close watch on the situation to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

------------------------------
-

*‘Coast Guard better equipped to act against territorial jurisdiction
violation’*
-

*Intrusion by trawlers into areas earmarked for traditional fishers alleged*

------------------------------