Malpe Fishermen associations demand effective fishing regulation

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 22, 2012: The Malpe Fishermen Association organized a protest on Nov 22, Thursday even as the district administration issued an order for the implementation of Section 144 along the district’s coastal belt.

The district administration enforced Section 144 on Nov 21, and it will continue to be in force till Dec 5.

Although the Malpe Fishermen Association’s protest was peaceful, shops in the area pulled down their shutters and the harbor looked forlorn and deserted.

 

 

 

 

The Malpe Fishermen Association, along with 22 other like-minded organizations, claimed that they are not convinced about the district administration’s assurances that it would implement the Karnataka Marine Fishing (Regulation) Act of 1986, which restricts fishing in certain areas, restricts number of fishing boats in specific areas and during specific season, and makes registration of fishing boats mandatory.

Speaking on the issue, MLA Raghupathi Bhat said that the previous DC of DK had imposed a ban and issued a notification against forbidden methods of catching cuttle fish. This year, fishermen were caught using banned methods of catching cuttle fish because the Act was not strictly enforced. Stating that the need of the hour was to seek a permanent solution for the problem, he said that a new act will be drafted soon with the approval of the chief minister of Karnataka and the state chief secretary. He said that this new act will support local fishermen and implement a strong security system along the coastal belt.

In the meanwhile, the DC has enforced a revisable ban on illegal fishing vessels in the area. This order can be revised every fortnight till the promised act is passed.