The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti (AMMKS), representing fishermen in Maharashtra, has raised urgent concerns about coastal security and the potential displacement of traditional fishermen, seeking prompt intervention from the central government. In an email addressed to the Union Cabinet Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, AMMKS President Devendra Damodar Tandel highlighted alarming findings from the recent map released by Global Fish Watch Data.
The map revealed that areas frequently fished by Indian boats equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking transponders are potentially facing security threats. Despite the central government’s mandate in 2009, requiring high-tech transponders on fishing vessels longer than 20 meters as a security measure post the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tandel pointed out that none of the 20,000-plus registered fishing vessels of traditional fishermen in the state exceed 14 meters in length.
Tandel emphasized that the data indicates illegal fishing activities occurring on the west coast of India, with foreign and corporate fishing vessels venturing within the 12 nautical miles of the state boundary. This poses a significant security risk, especially given the presence of sensitive establishments like the nuclear power plant in Tarapur, Palghar. The concern is amplified by the memories of the 26/11 terror attacks.
In addition to maritime security, the email underscored worries about the potential displacement of traditional fishermen and the loss of livelihoods due to projects such as crude oil refineries planned in fish-rich areas in Ratnagiri and the proposed Vadhvan Port in Palghar. These projects, if implemented, could spell doom for the local fishing community.
AMMKS urged the central government to review the marine security apparatus to ensure the safety of the state and country. The plea reflects a broader call for safeguarding the interests of traditional fishermen and maintaining the ecological balance of the coastal regions in the face of various developmental projects.
