Mumbai: Maharashtra’s fishermen unions expressed anger over the state govt’s announcement that the monsoon ban on deep-sea fishing will end on Aug 1, not Aug 15 as stipulated earlier. Koli fishers say this sudden reversal will mainly benefit commercial operators whose large trawlers are better equipped to venture out quickly, unlike local boatmen.
“Traditional fishermen are not prepared to resume fishing yet, whereas wealthy boat owners, who are equipped and ready, will gain an unfair 15-day advantage,” said Devendra Tandel, president of the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti.
In May-June, the Kolis were happy after the Maharashtra govt extended the monsoon ban till Aug 15 to preserve marine life and allow fish to breed. However the Central govt had already devised a separate Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) policy for fishing beyond 12 nautical miles, wherein the ban ends July 31. The state govt did not communicate this contradiction to local fishermen.
Irate unions met state fisheries minister Nitesh Rane over the issue Thursday evening.
Tandel said, “The state govt itself announced a ban until Aug 15. Trusting this decision, thousands of fishermen planned maintenance of their boats, engines, fishing nets and the engagement of crew members.
However, at the last moment, the govt has now announced that fishing beyond 12 nautical miles (24 km) will be permitted from Aug 1. If the govt was aware since March that the Centre’s EEZ fishing ban would end on July 31, why weren’t we informed? Moreover, fisheries laws are enacted not for fishermen but for the fish which need to be conserved and protected. Fish do not know the 12 nautical mile concept. They are migratory in nature.”
Versova Koli leader Pradeep Tapke said local boats are idling because the owners have been planning to repair and paint them by Aug 15. “We cannot suddenly rise and head out to sea Aug 1. Riding a boat is not like driving a car where you just fill petrol and start the engine. Each trip calls for planned investment, diesel stocks, labourers, food and equipment. The authorities should plan better.”
Kalina Koli leader Nayana Patil asked if the govt would compensate fishers who court danger by venturing out to sea amid stormy weather before Aug 15.
The minister told
TOI that the ban till Aug 15 remains in force within 12 nautical miles (state boundary).
Fishermen point out that they are protesting against the Centre’s simultaneous decision to permit deep-sea fishing beyond that limit. That will indeed resume on Aug 1.
