Fishermen’s 17-day protest ends

Fishermen’s 17-day protest ends

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Jan 25, 2018: The fishermen of Malpe have come to a consensus and ended the 17-day-long protest following the meeting held under the leadership of District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

 

Speaking to media at udupi on Jan 24, Wednesday, the Malpe Fishermen’s Association president Sathish Kunder said that the Purse Seine boat fishermen have been given a month’s deadline to end the light-based fishing. Also, the deep-sea bull trawlers would completely stop their fishing activities, in order to save the fish breeds and prevent fish drought.

The president said that the meeting, which went up to two hours, has ended with the fishermen amicably agreeing to accept the government order.

“The rules and regulation, however, would be followed strictly from next year. Members of as many as 22 fishermen’s associations took part in the meeting,” said Kunder, adding, “The unscientific fishing will come to an end. The problems were tried to be sorted out twice through discussions, with members of all the fishermen’s associations taking part, but in vain.”

“Both, the deep-sea and Purse Seine fishermen, would be venturing out for their activities. The government order, however, would be followed without any violations. The fishermen organisations are forbidden from giving statements to the media. The government order prohibits catching squids, undertaking light-based fishing and bull trawlers. Although some relaxations after looking into the environment and livelihood problem are being given, the fishermen would have to abide by the order in the days to come,” he stressed.