The ban on granting fresh licenses to deep sea fishing projects has encouraged poaching by foreign vessels in the Indian economic zone, reveals Tarun Gogoi, Union minister for food processing. The Centre imposed the ban mid-January following protests by traditional fisherpeople claiming that the entry of foreign companies with mechanised boats for deep sea fishing was adversely affecting their livelihood.
Gogoi stated in Hyderabad this March that poaching by foreign vessels had considerably increased since the ban. He said traditional fishermen had to fight it out against the increasing number of mechanised boats rather than deep sea fishing vehicles generally operating in international waters.
The government favours concluding joint venture fishing projects, and acquiring foreign vessels to catch up with other South Asian countries. As the Murari Committee report looking into the problems faced by traditional fisherpeople is completed, this would be taken up.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.