Fall in fish cash: fishermen demand ban on light fishing

The Deep Sea Fishermen Association has alleged that a decline in the fish cash is directly related to the high voltage light fishing (fishing using lights).

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Deep Sea Fishermen Association district president Kishoredas Suvarna alleged that the Central government has issued the order banning light fishing but it has not been introduced in the state. He added that most states on the coast have implemented the order. He warned that if the state government fails to introduce the order, the Association would protest and stop fishing activities. He urged the state government to strictly implement the order.

Suvarna said that more than 700 pur seine boats indulge in light fishing which has massively affected the fish breed. The fish drought would be evident in the days to come and people who are legally into the sea are in trouble. The scientists are of the opinion that various fish breeds are becoming extinct and the fish population is decreasing owing to the focused light which is spread over the breeding area.

A report presented by experts resulted in the state government and Central government banning light based fishing in the sea. States like Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra have strictly imposed the ban, however due to the negligence of the state government, the order is not being imposed.

"The district in-charge minister and the deputy commissioner have been approached with the demand. Sadly the response is dull," he said. He added that a meeting would be held on December 20 to decide the future course of action.

If a need arises, fishing activity would be completely stopped and a protest would be taken up. The question of livelihood of thousands looms large, he maintained.

He said that the pur seine boats would have 25 kv generator power which would be connected to 1,700 high voltage halogen and LED bulbs. The boats are stationed at huge boulders for three to five hours where fish breed. Fish get attracted towards light and fall prey for the nets. The fish and breeds are then together destroyed. Algae, which is the natural nutrient for fish are also destroyed owing to the powerful lights. This would end up in severe drought, he opined.

He said unscientific fishing has led to severe fish drought in the past three years. Although the state governm

ent has issued the order in March 2017, it has been not implemented strictly, he alleged.