Fishermen plea for ban on automated boats and unscientific fishing practices

The state’s traditional fishermen association from Udupi submitted a plea to Fisheries Minister S. Mankala Vaidya in Bengaluru, urging appropriate action against automated boats that are engaging in bull trawl fishing along the coastal areas.

Following the plea, the Minister convened a meeting with fishermen at his residence, where he instructed senior officials from the Fisheries Department and the Coastal Security Force to take necessary measures regarding bull trawl fishing.

The Minister announced that separate meetings will be organized with fishermen using automated boats in the Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada districts to address the ongoing disputes among fishermen.

He emphasized the need to improve fish breeding and ensure the sustainability of fish populations.

The traditional fishermen reiterated their demand for a ban on unscientific bull trawl fishing and light fishing, citing the detrimental effects these practices have on fish breeding. They urged the Minister to enforce strict regulations against these practices.

Key members of the state Traditional Fishermen Association, including President Nagesh Kharvi, General Secretary Yashavanth Gangolli, and honorary advisors S. Madan Kumar Udupi, Naveen Chandra Udupi, Chandrashekhar Shriyan Mangaluru, Sudhir Shriyan Mangaluru, and other prominent fishermen from the region, were present.