Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/MS)
Udupi, Jan 11: Hundreds of members of Akhila Karnataka purse-seine fishermen's Sangha led by their president Gurudas Bangera gathered at district commissioner's (DC) office at Rajathadri in Manipal here on Wednesday, January 10 and urged to withdraw ban order from using halogen lights during night fishing.
Speaking during the protest, Gurudas Bangera said, "Purse-seine fishermen are using 45 mm size net and 25 kv generator lights with the permission of the government. They have also taken bank loans of Rs 30 to 35 lacs to purchase materials and equipments. These fishermen are doing fishing in waters which is 12 nauticle miles away from deep sea area, according to the norms of Karnataka government. We are doing fishing without disturbing the Nada doni (small boat), Kairampani (the traditional shore seine of coastal Karnataka) and small net fishing.
"Purse-seine boat fishing is seasonal. More than 28000 families are depending on this fishing for their livelihood. Around 35 to 40 people work in a boat. Purse-seine fishing is a one type of fishing. Over 700 purse-seine boats are functioning in nine harbours across the state. The central government has also given permission to this type of fishing. The purse-seine boats are popular in the entire nation. There are complaints from Deep sea trawler fishermen saying that they are facing fishing crisis due to purse-seine boat fishing. We have convinced the fisheries department that purse-seine fishing will not affect small fishing.
"If the government turns blind eye towards purse-seine boat fishermen’s demands, then the association will hold a huge protest. The fish traders, fisherwomen, tempo-workers, ice plant, loaders and shop owners depend on perse-seine fisheries for their survival."
Babu Kulal Kumta, honorary president, Akhila Karnataka purse-seine fishermen's Sangha, Ramesh Kundar Gangolli, chief secretary, Ganapathi Mangre, honorary advisor, Naveen Bangera, Mangaluru, Annappa Kharvi, treasurer and Krishna S Suvarna, secretary and others were present.
The members of the purse-seine boat handed over the memorandum to DC Priyanka Mary Francic. The deputy commissioner promised to look into the matter.