Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Mar 7: Fishermen in Gangolli who are using country boats for fishing, suspended fishing activity on Tuesday, March 6 and protested at the port against fishermen using methods banned by the union and state governments for fishing.

Manju Billava, president of Gangolli country boat fishermen association, said, “The governments at the centre and state have banned fishing using bull trawling, pair trawling, perscene boats with artificial lighting on or in the water and gillnet. The governments have said that diesel subsidy, fisheries license and registration of those fishermen who violate the rules will be cancelled and legal action will be taken against them,"

"However illegal fishing is still in progress and traditional fishermen are facing fish famine. The matter was discussed in the recent protests held in front of the office of deputy commissioner,” he added. 

“Such fishing stopped then but it has started again. Immediate action should be taken against them. Otherwise intense protests will be held together with fishermen from other centeres,” he said.

Raw fish traders association president Mohan Kharvi, fishermen cooperative society president Naga Kharvi and Byndoor country boat fishermen association president K M Somashekar joined their voices.

Fisheries department assistant director Chandrashekar who came at the spot, said that the deputy director is authorized to take action in this respect. “The matter will be brought to his notice. However the coastal protection force does not have the necessary boat with them,” he said.

Kundapur sub divisional officer Bhoobalan who arrived and received their petition, said that the matter will be discussed with the deputy commissioner and suitable action will be taken in a couple of days. “We will try to provide a boat to Gangolli coastal protection station,” he said.

Byndoor police circle inspector Parameshwar Gunaga was present. Kotan Venkatesh Kharvi said, “All the officials are aware of the illegal activities but nobody comes forward to take action. Therefore, local fishermen are suffering.”