Need for intense campaign on deep sea fishing

“Lack of awareness by the state government and easy availability of good catch not far from the shore are reasons why Indian fishermen, especially those from Rameswaram have not opted for the Tamil Nadu government’s deep sea fishing measures” officials and fishermen’s associations reveal. 

Though the state government’s Tuna Long Liner scheme aimed to wean Rameswaram fishermen from Katchatheevu, their regular haunt and where they were attacked by the Sri Lankan navy almost daily for entering the island nation’s waters “The scheme had no takers due to the back-ended subsidy offered” officials aver.

“Rameswaram fishermen are not rich and hence cannot afford to opt for long liners which cost Rs.65 lakhs minimum. Their present boats cost half this amount. The government scheme demands that they spend first and then claim the subsidy. But fishermen say that such subsidy will never be released on time. They want the government to pay the full amount and then collect the dues in monthly instalments,” they add.

“Local fishermen are used to spending only 24 hours at sea and their boats do not have the wherewithal for a longer stay which is a must with long liners” says local fisherman Edwin. Tuna long liners are expected to be at sea for a week and more which local fishermen are not used to. “Our lives are based on daily earnings and hence a lot should be done to change the present mindset” he added. Easy pickings near Katchatheevu is one reason why they sail there. Though 3 Indian fishers were arrested on narcotics charges which lead to death sentences, fishermen’s associations condemned the smuggling without any reference to avoiding the area. 

Rameswaram Mechanized vessel owners association president S Emerit adds “opting for a costly scheme, will lead to financial problems as even now they find it difficult to tide over the 45-day fishing ban period despite the government providing monetary relief.” 

It is the same with fishermen from Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Nagapattinam. “Though the government doubled subsidy to 50 per cent the beneficiaries are only Chennai fishermen where seven long liners are under construction at Karaikal” fisheries department sources add.