Mechanised fishing boats undergo fitness test in 3 dists

Sources said boats are normally inspected during the annual 61-day fishing ban period, which ended last month. But owing to the anti-Sterlite agitation, it was not carried out. 

According to the amended Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, the length of each mechanised boat should not exceed 24 metres, while the capacity of its motor engine should not exceed 240 horsepower (HP).

 “Once the verification process is over, a report would be forwarded to the State government,” the source told DTNext on Saturday. 

Unlike other coastal districts, the mechanised boat operators in Thoothukudi district claimed that they are facing a tough time to sustain their livelihood, as their long pending demand of permitting multi-day fishing is yet to be met. Of the total fleet of around 450 in the district, the fishing harbour in Thoothukudi accommodates 250 mechanised boats. 

As per law, boats that go for deep sea fishing must be registered with the Marine Mercantile department of the Central government. However, fishermen in Thoothukudi district claimed that several boats are yet to be registered as both the State fisheries department and the Marine Mercantile department were not fulfilling their responsibility. This situation has affected the lives of fishermen and boat operators. 

Regional deputy director of fisheries E Kathavarayan said 1,528 mechanised boats in Ramanathapuram district have been inspected and verified to be sea-worthy. Officials are currently examining the seaworthiness of vessels in Thengapattinam, Muttom and Colachel in Kanniyakumari district and the drive is expected to continue for a few more days, sources said.