Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Apr 19: There is ban on deep sea fishing in Karnataka due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. However, it has come to light that fishermen from Goa are engaging in deep sea fishing in the northern territorial waters of Karnataka. In addition, it has been alleged that fishermen from Kerala have also been fishing on the southern territorial water area of Karnataka.

The fishermen of Karnataka are questioning the administration whether the acts of Goa and Kerala fishermen amount to violation of lockdown rules or not.

Representational image

In Karnataka, only traditional fishing is allowed as of now. However, fishermen from Goa are carrying out light fishing in areas of Gangolli in the taluk for the four or five days during the night, it is alleged. It is also learnt that from the south, fishermen of Kerala are also violating the territorial water boundary and entering the waters of Karnataka.

Mohan Karwar, president of Karwar Purse Seine fishermen's association says, "Deep sea fishing is allowed in the state of Goa. I have information about Goa fishermen carrying out banned light fishing in the territorial waters of Karnataka for the past four or five days."

Ramesh Kundar, president of Gangolli Purse Seine fishermen's cooperative society questioned the authority saying, "We are aware that the fishermen from Goa and Kerala are entering into territorial waters of Karnataka. Do they not have the restriction that is put on us?"

Responding to the issue, R Chethan, SP, Udupi district coastal protection police force said, "We do not have any information of fishermen from Goa and Kerala carrying out fishing in waters of Karnataka. If our fishermen or any other person has information in this regard, they can pass on the same to us. We will investigate the matter. We have nine coastal protection force police stations at Mangaluru, Hejamadi, Malpe, Gangolli, Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kumta, Belekeri and Karwar in the three districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada. Patrolling is carried out everyday in all the places."

Checkposts have been opened at inter-district and inter-state borders. People are allowed only if it is really needed, he said.