Fishers seeks withdrawal of nod for large fishing vessels off Kerala coast

The State camp of the All India Fishermen’s Federation (AITUC) has demanded that the Union government withdraw its decision to permit large fishing vessels to operate off the Kerala coast. They warned that the move would threaten marine resources and jeopardise the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.

In a resolution, the federation said India requires only about one lakh fishing vessels in its regulated fishing zone, but more than three lakh vessels are already operating. They added that allowing large fishing vessels with substantial government subsidies would accelerate the depletion of fish stocks and push Kerala’s fishing fleet into crisis.

The federation also demanded the constitution of the Vembanad Lake Protection Authority, the withdrawal of the proposed Port City Project, and the abandonment of the proposed seaplane project in fishing zones. They alleged that the Port City Project aims at coastal mining and displacement and called for measures to prevent recurring fishing accidents and deaths at Muthalapozhi and ensure the safety of fishermen.

Inaugurating the valedictory session, AITUC State general secretary K.P. Rajendran criticised the State government for assigning English titles to coastal development schemes in the State Budget, despite the Budget being presented in Malayalam.

AITUC national general secretary R. Prasad led the study session. State president T.J. Angelos presided. CPI(M) State executive member C.N. Chandran, federation general secretary T. Raghuvaran, CPI district executive member P. Ajayakumar, and others addressed the gathering. Senior leaders of AITUC, the CPI, the Kerala Pravasi Sangham, the Kerala Mahila Sangham, and affiliated organisations also attended.