Fishermen told not to ignore weather warnings

Fishermen told not to ignore weather warnings

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 29, 2018: Fisheries College Dean Dr M N Venugopal urged fishermen not to ignore the weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department while venturing into deep sea fishing.

 

At a workshop on fisheries warning organised by the Meteorological Centre, Bengaluru, in association with Department of Fisheries and College of Fisheries here; he said fishermen should be aware of prevailing weather conditions before venturing into deep sea fishing.

Training on safety at sea should be imparted to all fishermen, to handle the inclement weather conditions in the sea. The fishermen should be equipped with latest communication systems while venting into fishing, he added.

He said a holistic approach to safety management system is the need of the hour. An accident database needs to be maintained so that preventive measures can be taken to check mishaps next year.

Dr Venugopal said Fisheries and Port Department, Coast Guard and Navy should work in coordination in times of distress.

Fisheries Department Deputy Director Parshwanath said life jackets, GPS fish finder, and all safety equipment are mandatory in fishing boats.

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Meteorological Department, disaster management cells issue weather forecasts which are circulated among the fishermen community.

National Fish Workers Forum Vice President Vasudeva Boloor said that the government should work on pension for fishermen. Training should be imparted to all fishermen.

Stating that boat mishaps occur while entering the estuary, he said failing to take up the dredging work results in mishaps. Fisheries Ministry should be constituted separately, in the interest of the fishermen community.

Meteorological Centre (Bengaluru) Director Geetha Agnihothri said a total of 9.6 lakh people are engaged in fishing in the state. The total production from fisheries sector in 2016-17 was 11.4 million tonnes. Wind, salinity and inclement weather conditions have a major impact on fisheries.

Dr Shivakumar Magada, professor and head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) said that Meteorological Observatory unit is needed for KVK. There was a unit which was functioning at KVK premises since 1946. However, it was closed 13 years ago.

“As a result, we have to depend on Meteorological Observatory unit of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Brahmavar for the data. The unit is essential in disseminating information on rain, wind speed, sunshine intensity, temperature and humidity to the farmers.” In response, Geetha Agnihothri asked to send a proposal.