Karnataka: Fishermen hail proposed 61-day uniform monsoon ban on mechanised boats

MANGALURU: Fishermen on Tuesday welcomed the Union government’s move to introduce a uniform 61-day ban on fishing by mechanised boats along the west coast, saying it would not only help breeding during the monsoon but also fishermen who venture out in conventional boats.

At present, the ban lasts for 45 days beginning June 15 every year along the coast of Karnataka for all mechanised boats. “We welcome this move by the Central government,” Mohan Bengre, secretary, Trawl Boat Fishermen Association, told Deccan Chronicle, adding “about 15 years ago, fishing by mechanised boats was banned for three months during the monsoon. But over the years it decreased to 45 days. We welcome the government’s move to have a uniform ban of 61 days in all states on the west coast. Though only fishing by traditional boats is allowed during the ban, fishermen from Kerala venture into the sea on big boats and nets similar to purse seine boats. They claim that they are traditional fishing boats as they resemble such boats, but in reality they net all the fish which otherwise purse seine boats get. The government should ban this type of fishing.”

NFF vice president Vasudev Boloor said “extension of the ban has been our demand for several years.” The move however, has upset other fishermen. “A uniform ban along the entire west coast is unscientific. The monsoon arrives on different dates in different states. Therefore, how can the government impose a uniform ban?” queried Yatish Bykampady, president, Mogaveera Vyavastapana Mandali.