AP Warns Tamil Nadu Against Illegal Fishing in Sea, Retains Seized Boats

Nellore: Andhra Pradesh has warned Tamil Nadu and Puducherry against illegal fishing in AP’s territorial waters. It firmly stated that incursions by mechanised fishing boats from the neighbouring state and union territory would not be tolerated, as they affect the livelihoods of local fishermen as well as AP’ marine resources.

The issue surfaced at the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu Inter-State, District-Level Committee meeting held at the Nellore Collectorate on Saturday. AP officials presented evidence of alleged illegal fishing by boats from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Addressing media after the meeting, Nellore district collector Himanshu Shukla said the Andhra Pradesh delegation presented documentary and technical evidence on losses suffered by fishermen over the past three months due to repeated incursions by mechanised boats from the neighbouring state.

Officials presented videos, photographs, GPS time stamps, and boat identification details to support their charges of illegal fishing. They highlighted the ecological impact of large trawlers and prohibited fishing nets, including deaths of the protected Olive Ridley turtles. The Nellore collector said seven boats seized from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry would not be released at present, despite their requests.

Those who attended the meeting included Andhra Pradesh Fisheries commissioner Ramashankar Naik, Nellore SP Dr. Ajitha Vejendla, senior fisheries, forest, and marine police officials, a Tamil Nadu delegation led by Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare director Dr. Vijayakarthikeyan, and Chennai collector Malathi Helen. Officials underlined the absence of representatives from Puducherry at the meeting. They said resolutions, along with supporting evidence, would be forwarded to the Puducherry government for action.

To prevent incursion of fishing vessels into other territories, the Nellore collector pointed out that all fishing boats could be fitted with functional transponders. These generate automated alerts when the boats approach their maritime limits.

Providing details, Himanshu Shukla said their discussions covered four issues — Andhra Pradesh boats entering Tamil Nadu waters, Tamil Nadu boats entering AP waters, Andhra fishermen working on Tamil Nadu vessels, and illegal operations by small inboard and outboard engine boats. The Nellore collector accused trawlers from Puducherry of entering Andhra Pradesh waters, damaging fishing nets, and depleting marine resources. According to Himanshu Shukla, the TN delegation acknowledged the concerns raised by Andhra Pradesh. They assured that a meeting would be convened in Chennai to sensitise fishermen and prevent further incursions into Andhra Pradesh waters.

The collector said the decision on the seven boats seized from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry would be taken after reviewing the action initiated by the neighbouring state and the union territory and obtaining directions from the Andhra Pradesh government.

Himanshu Shukla said special sea patrols launched in May on directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would continue under the supervision of the district police. Boats found fishing illegally in Andhra Pradesh waters would be seized and shifted to Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour.