THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Fisheries Department officer said other than discussing marine fishing, regulation and its conservation, the conclave will also be a platform for states to discuss various common issues they face in the fisheries sector including concerns related with the National Marine Fisheries Policy introduced by the Centre in April 2017.
Though a slew of representations was sent to the Centre demanding steps to alleviate the state's concerns, it was in vain. And thus the state has decided to reach a consensus with neighbouring states who are facing similar issues and to pressure the Centre to reconsider the said suggestions.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department said the state is mainly concerned about the private participation in the fisheries sector and the use of technology in fishing boats for deep sea fishing.
"The state is concerned over the fact the said suggestions might facilitate foreign companies to venture into Indian seas and exploit the marine resources here unscrupulously. Even though the National Marine Fisheries Policy recommends repealing the letter of permit, the department is of the view that foreign companies have been provided with a backdoor entry into our seas through the said suggestions. It is going to affect not only our fishers, but fishermen in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Puducherry," said a Fisheries Department officer.
A Fisheries Department officer said other than discussing marine fishing, regulation and its conservation, the conclave will also be a platform to discuss various common issues states face in the fisheries sector, including concerns related with the National Marine Fisheries Policy introduced by the Centre in April 2017.
Though a slew of representations was sent to the Centre demanding steps to alleviate the state’s concerns, it was in vain. And thus it has decided to reach a consensus with neighbouring states who are facing similar issues and to pressure the Centre to reconsider the suggestions. Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department said the state is mainly concerned about the private participation in the fisheries sector.
“The state is concerned over the fact the said suggestions might facilitate foreign companies to venture into Indian seas and exploit the marine resources here unscrupulously. Even though the National Marine Fisheries Policy recommends repealing the letter of permit, the department is of the view that foreign companies have been provided with a backdoor entry into our seas through the said suggestions. It is going to affect not only our fishers, but fishermen in TN, AP, Karnataka and Puducherry,” said a Department official.