Unscientific fishing should be banned says community

Udupi: Fishermen folk from here protested against the stopping of fishing by flashing LED light bulbs and bull- trawling by mechanised boats.

The protestors gathered outside Deputy Commissioner’s office here.

Protestors also demanded the release of subsidised kerosene for April and May.

Addressing the protesters, Naveenchandra, leader of the organisation, said many fishermen practise the traditional method of using various types of nets, and outboard engines for their boats. Use of mechanised boats with lights and bull-trawling led to destruction of fisheries resources, and adversely affect traditional fishermen.

The Union and State governments had banned unscientific fishing, such as use of lights, bull-trawling and fishing of green mussels. But this order was not being implemented properly in Udupi district. He urged the strict enforcement of the ban.

Priyanka Mary Francis, Deputy Commissioner, who arrived at the spot, said that the Department of Fisheries along with the police had seized 60 generators from mechanized boats, which were being used for fishing with lights.