Fishermen from around 10 villages in Kakinada district have appealed to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for intervention after forest officials reportedly stopped 20 boats engaged in shellfish collection near Korangi in Tallarevu mandal.
The fishermen say their traditional fishing livelihoods have been affected by offshore oil and gas exploration and dredging activities. With fewer opportunities to catch fish, some have turned to collecting shellfish locally known as nattagullalu to earn a living.
Fishermen Forced to Dive 5–6 Feet for Shellfish
According to the fishermen, collecting shellfish has become an important source of income amid difficulties in regular fishing.
The work, however, involves considerable risk. After taking their boats into the sea, fishermen dive approximately five to six feet underwater to collect shellfish from the seabed.
They say this dangerous activity has become necessary to support their families as their traditional fishing opportunities have reduced.
Forest Officials Stop 20 Boats at Sea
The dispute escalated when forest officials reportedly stopped around 20 boats while they were engaged in shellfish collection near Korangi.
Officials cited a restriction on shellfish harvesting in the area, according to the fishermen. However, the fishing community disputes the existence of such a prohibition.
Fishermen allege that the restrictions are affecting their livelihoods and claim that the action is benefiting middlemen at their expense.
They have questioned why their boats were stopped in the middle of the sea and raised concerns about who would take responsibility if fishermen lost their lives during such confrontations.
Fishermen Demand Pawan Kalyan’s Intervention
Representatives of the fishing communities from 10 villages have requested immediate intervention from Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan.
They want the government to clarify whether shellfish collection is prohibited in the area and ensure that fishing communities are not prevented from earning their livelihood without proper justification.
The fishermen are seeking a resolution that protects their livelihoods while addressing the concerns raised by forest officials.
Livelihood Concerns Behind the Dispute
The issue highlights the difficulties faced by coastal fishing communities when access to traditional fishing resources becomes restricted.
For these families, shellfish collection has become an alternative source of income, despite the physical risks involved in diving underwater.
The fishermen are now looking to the state government for clarity on the restrictions and a solution that allows them to continue their livelihood safely.
