7 fishing boats from Malpe seized at Ratnagiri, crew detained

Mangalore Today News Network

 Udupi, Feb 16, 2013 :     Coastal police of Maharashtra have seized seven deep fishing boats which set sail from Malpe fisheries harbour, and have detained all the crew on board. The action was taken at Ratnagiri for violation of fishing regulations.

However, local fishermen argue that there had been no violation and that the crew was unnecessarily harassed. As per rules, fishermen from other places cannot venture into fishing within 12 nautical miles of the Maharashtra territory.

According to some reports, the Maharashtra police have also seized huge fish catch which was in the boats.

Sources also reveal that due to low catch in the area this season, many fishermen venture into fishing near Goa and Maharashtra coast resulting in the problem.