Public can’t enter Kasimedu fish market

“Only 50 to 70 mechanised boats will be given tokens per day. Only 50 mechanised boats will be allowed to sell their fish in Kasimedu fishing harbour,” said Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, in a statement.

Due to lockdown, boats in Chennai started venturing into the sea only from July 15, but even before they started venturing fisheries department issued ID cards to fishermen and dealers and made it mandatory to enter fishing harbour.

However, to regulate the number of boats and to minimise the crowd, the Fisheries department had rolled out a fresh set of instructions for fishermen, dealers and public. The order specifically listed out new timings for entering the fishing harbour and for the sale of fish.

“Fish can be sold only between 3 am and 8 am. Mechanised boats returning to fishing harbour after 8 am will not be allowed to sell fish on that particular day. But, they can sell their catch the next day,” said Jayakumar.

While pubic won’t be allowed to enter the fishing harbour, only 600 traders split into four groups of 150 each would only be permitted into the facility. Only vehicles used for procuring fish will be allowed inside the harbour, which will be a restricted zone for others.

Mechanised boats have been instructed to register their name and other details, name of boat owners, fishing labourers, who will be going into the sea and the time of venturing into the sea with the Fisheries department.

The mechanised boats are instructed not to sell fish at the place where fibre boats sell their catch. Not all fishermen will be allowed into the fishing harbour daily as only those permitted on a particular day to venture into the sea and sell fish will be allowed.

If fishermen intend to repair boats or nets, they would be allowed only after the end of fish sale, Jayakumar explained.