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A mechanized fishing boat from Vizag’s fishing harbour was destroyed by a fire while at sea, from the coast of Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Fortunately, all five fishermen aboard managed to escape without any serious injuries.

According to reports from local fisherfolk, the group had ventured out for a routine fishing trip when the boat’s engine caught fire. The blaze quickly spread to other parts of the vessel, forcing the fishermen to abandon the boat and leap into the sea to save their lives. They were rescued by a nearby fishing boat that was operating in the vicinity.

The fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, completely destroyed the boat, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹35 lakh.

Officials from the fisheries department, fire services, and other concerned agencies are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. In the meantime, leaders of local fishermen’s associations have urged the Andhra Pradesh government to provide financial assistance to the boat owner, whose livelihood has been severely affected by the incident.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

In a troubling development, Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad revealed on Sunday that 7,000 fishermen in Prayagraj have been left without their insurance certificates, despite having their insurance applications processed. The lapse has raised significant concerns about the welfare and security of the fishermen, prompting the minister to call for an immediate investigation into the issue.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Circuit House in Prayagraj, Nishad disclosed that although the insurance policies for 7,000 fishermen had been approved and coverage initiated, the certificates confirming their insured status were never issued. As a result, these fishermen were left unaware of their insurance protections, putting them at risk of not being able to claim benefits in case of accidents or other unfortunate events.

The Fisheries Minister expressed his disappointment over the administrative failure, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “It is unacceptable that the fishermen, who depend on these protections for their livelihoods, have been left in the dark about their insurance status. We have initiated an inquiry to identify the officer responsible for this gross negligence,” Nishad stated.

The investigation will focus on the specific reasons behind the delay or failure in issuing the insurance certificates and will examine the processes followed by the concerned officer. The minister assured the public that corrective measures would be taken swiftly, and appropriate action will be implemented based on the findings of the inquiry.

Nishad also reiterated his government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of fishermen across the state, ensuring that such lapses do not happen in the future. The outcome of the investigation is expected to be closely watched, as it could lead to broader scrutiny of insurance processes within the fisheries department.

The insurance scheme in question is designed to provide financial security to fishermen, offering coverage in the event of accidents, natural disasters, or other risks associated with their work. The lack of insurance certificates, therefore, not only compromises the fishermen’s protection but also undermines confidence in the administrative systems meant to serve vulnerable communities.

As the inquiry unfolds, affected fishermen and local stakeholders are anxiously awaiting the outcome, hoping for swift justice and resolution to the administrative failure.

Source: Deccan Herald

The Fisheries Department in Kulgam has intensified its efforts to combat illegal electro-fishing in the Veshow River, apprehending four individuals involved in the practice on Sunday. Batteries used for electro-fishing were also confiscated during the operation.

Assistant Director (AD) of Fisheries for Anantnag, Shabir Ahmad, who holds additional charge for Kulgam, informed Rising Kashmir that the teams, formed earlier to tackle illegal fishing, made a significant breakthrough by catching miscreants involved in electro-fishing at various spots along the river.

The anti-poaching drive, led by Deputy Inspector of Fisheries, Mushtaq Ahmad, on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, resulted in the seizure of an electric battery at Band Kuji Adpora. Although the poachers fled under the cover of darkness, abandoning the battery, the device was confiscated on the spot. Local fishermen from Pahloo supported the Fisheries Department in the operation.

“We intensified our drive and successfully apprehended four individuals in Nehama and Adapora for illegally electro-fishing. The miscreants have been handed over to the police, and legal proceedings are underway,” AD Shabir Ahmad said.

He further urged the public to avoid such illegal activities, highlighting the harmful effects on fish biodiversity. “It is our collective responsibility to conserve this valuable resource for society,” he added.

The crackdown follows a Rising Kashmir report titled “Kulgam: Miscreants Engage in Electro-fishing in Veshow River,” published on September 24, which spurred the department to intensify its operations leading to Sunday’s successful actions.

Source: Rising Kashmir

Kolkata: The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Barrackpore has entered into a transfer license agreement with Agrinnovate India Ltd., New Delhi, and M/s M. R. Aquatech, Bhubaneswar. The agreement, centered on the ICAR-CIFRI Pen HDPE technology, aims to revolutionize in-situ fish fingerling production in India’s reservoirs and wetlands.

This eco-friendly technology enables high-quality fingerling production directly within natural water bodies, eliminating the need for conventional hatcheries. Previously commercialized, this is the second time the Pen HDPE technology has been licensed, marking a milestone for the inland fisheries sector.

Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, emphasized the importance of the innovation, stating that it ensures efficient stocking of reservoirs and wetlands without compromising fish quality. He also noted that this is the eighth technology commercialized by the institute in the past five years, reflecting CIFRI’s dedication to sustainable fisheries advancements.

The event was attended by key figures, including Subhash Chandra, Director of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, who lauded the institute’s ongoing contributions to eco-friendly fish farming. Dr. B. K. Behera, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, remarked on the potential of the technology to transform fish production practices across the country.

Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO of Agrinnovate India Ltd., also expressed optimism, highlighting the technology’s ability to meet the rising demand for quality fish seed in India. M/s M. R. Aquatech has been granted a non-exclusive license for a five-year term, enabling the company to manufacture and distribute the Pen HDPE system nationwide, further strengthening India’s fish production infrastructure.

Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Government of India, visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi. The visit underscored the government’s focus on innovation and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

During his visit, the Minister toured various research laboratories at ICAR-CIFT, where he observed cutting-edge technological advancements aimed at fostering sustainable fisheries practices. Notably, Shri Kurian launched a series of upcycled products made from Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) recovered from abandoned fishing boats. This initiative addresses the pressing environmental challenge posed by abandoned FRP boats, which contribute significantly to marine pollution. ICAR-CIFT has successfully developed two types of composites from FRP debris. One composite can be utilized to create products such as large flower pots, vases, and landscaping furniture, while the other is suited for manufacturing items like waste bins and injection-molded plastic products. These innovations are expected to reduce the FRP waste volume at harbors significantly.

In a further move toward environmental conservation, Shri Kurian inaugurated CIFT Bioboost and Microboost, a bacterial consortium and compost developed by ICAR-CIFT to enhance waste management practices in the fisheries sector. The technology was handed over to Mr. Dipin Dileep, Ward Councillor of Ponnurunni Ward, Ernakulam, as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable waste management in local communities. Stakeholders also received training on utilizing the consortium for efficient waste disposal.

Additionally, the Minister formalized the transfer of technology by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with three stakeholder groups. These agreements pertain to the machinery line developed by ICAR-CIFT that converts fish waste into valuable products such as aquafeed and manure. This initiative is seen as a major step toward reducing fish waste and improving resource utilization in the industry.

Shri Kurian also released a series of ICAR-CIFT publications and honored Swachhta leaders as part of the Government’s Swachhta Action Plan. In his address, the Minister commended ICAR-CIFT’s initiatives, particularly its waste management strategies, emphasizing the significance of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in the fisheries sector. “Proper disposal of waste is crucial in preventing environmental pollution, and the innovative work by ICAR-CIFT in this area is highly commendable,” he stated.

Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, and Dr. V. Geethalakshmi, Nodal Officer of the Swachhta Action Plan, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the institute’s ongoing efforts in sustainable fisheries and waste management.

Source: ICAR-CIFT

A deep-sea fishing vessel from Eraviputhenthurai in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district has been stranded near the India-Oman maritime border for more than ten days due to a technical malfunction. The vessel, Alankaramatha, with a 12-member crew, encountered the issue on September 15 when its engine failed. Efforts to restart the engine have been unsuccessful so far.

The Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai has been actively assisting the stranded crew by delivering essential provisions through passing merchant ships. In a recent attempt, fuel was supplied to the vessel, but engineers were unable to restart the engine. “The fishing boat remains anchored, and the Indian Coast Guard is closely monitoring the situation,” said an official involved in the rescue operation.

The vessel, owned by R. Arulappan, set sail from Kochi on September 11. Arulappan, who is part of the crew, along with the others, had not been reachable until Thursday. It was on that day that the Coast Guard informed the families about the boat’s predicament near the Oman border.

According to Fr. Rajeesh Babu, parish priest of Eraviputhenthurai, the engine failure was reported on September 15. Despite multiple attempts, the crew has been unable to fix the problem. Fr. Babu added that while the Coast Guard is making efforts to repatriate the crew, the fishermen are hesitant to abandon the vessel, which is their primary means of livelihood. “We urge the government to assist in towing the vessel to the nearest shore so they can carry out necessary repairs,” he said.

The crew includes six members from Puducherry, two from West Bengal, three from Eraviputhenthurai, and one from the neighboring village of Poothurai in Kanyakumari district, according to P. Justin Antony, president of the International Fishermen Development Trust in Kanyakumari. Family members are growing increasingly concerned about the safety of the stranded fishermen.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to resolve the situation and bring the crew back to safety.

Source: Times of India

Deputy Inspector General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Manoj Bhatia, clarified on Thursday that fishing within 12 nautical miles of India’s coastline is legal for all Indian fishermen. Speaking to reporters, Bhatia emphasized that fishing only becomes illegal when foreign vessels encroach upon Indian waters.

“There is no such thing as illegal fishing when it comes to Indian fishermen operating within our waters,” Bhatia explained. “If a fisherman from Maharashtra is fishing off the coast of Goa, that’s not considered illegal. However, if someone from a foreign country enters to fish, that is classified as illegal fishing. This issue primarily falls under state jurisdiction, but the Coast Guard is ready to respond when necessary.”

He further explained that the waters up to 12 nautical miles off the coast are under the control of the state governments, and fishermen from neighboring states can legally fish in those areas. Similarly, Goan fishermen are free to fish in waters off other states. “This is largely a matter of inter-state coordination, and such issues can be resolved through dialogue,” Bhatia said.

He also announced that the State police will soon receive additional boats to strengthen patrolling efforts alongside Goan fishermen. These new resources will help enforce fishing regulations more effectively.

Bhatia pointed out that larger fishing vessels are prohibited from entering zones designated for traditional fishing activities. “Action is now being taken against large vessels encroaching into Goan waters,” he said, noting that the lack of proper boats had previously hindered coastal police from tackling this issue. The new patrol boats are expected to change that, ensuring the protection of traditional fishermen’s rights.

Goa’s fisheries minister, Nilkanth Harlankar, has reached out to Karnataka’s fisheries director, Dinesh Kumar Kaller, to address the increasing issue of trawlers from Karnataka fishing illegally in Goan waters.

Harlankar emphasized the importance of preventing disputes between the fishermen of both states. “Kaller has assured us that a directive will be issued, advising Karnataka boat owners to steer clear of Goan waters,” said Harlankar.

This step follows numerous complaints from the fishing communities in Baina and Vasco, who have reported illegal fishing activities by trawlers from neighboring Karnataka.

To tackle the problem, Goa’s fisheries department has set up an enforcement team, which includes fisheries personnel, the deputy director of fisheries, and Goa police. The team will actively patrol the coastal areas to identify and stop unauthorized fishing.

Violating boats will be seized and taken to the nearest Goan jetty, where their catch will be confiscated and auctioned. “We are prepared to take firm action against any illegal activity,” Harlankar stated.

Source: Times of India

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Fisheries Department has issued a stern warning to fishermen regarding the use of prohibited fishing nets, particularly pelagic gear. Offenders could face fines of up to ₹2.5 lakh, with any catch seized aboard these vessels being auctioned, the department announced on Monday.

The warning follows observations by the State government of increased use of illegal pelagic nets by trawlers and other prohibited equipment by traditional fishermen, according to Fisheries Director B. Abdul Nasar.

Boat operators found in possession of pelagic nets, even if not in use, are subject to heavy fines. In addition to penalties, the confiscated fish will be sold, with proceeds going to the government. Strict measures will also be enforced against manufacturers and suppliers of these illegal nets, the department emphasized.

The use, production, and transportation of banned nets, such as pelagic gear, are prohibited under the Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation Act. These nets have been outlawed due to their detrimental impact on marine ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources.

To combat the ongoing issue, the department has ramped up coastal monitoring efforts. Surveillance operations will be enhanced, with assistance from Marine Enforcement, Coastal Police, and the Coast Guard, ensuring that offenders are caught and held accountable.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on the people of Tamil Nadu to reject what she described as misleading claims by opposition parties regarding the livelihood of traditional fishermen. Speaking at a gathering in Kottivakkam after distributing BJP membership cards, Sitharaman assured that the Modi-led government is prioritizing the welfare of traditional fishermen and is committed to protecting their rights.

Sitharaman highlighted that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who initiated the establishment of a dedicated department for fisheries and fishermen’s welfare. She raised concerns about the growing influence of deep-sea trawlers, stating that the issue is set to be addressed at the World Trade Organization (WTO), where the Centre is working hard to ensure that the rights of traditional fishermen remain intact.

“The government is putting in maximum effort at the WTO, under PM Modi’s directive, to stress the importance of safeguarding the interests of traditional fishermen against the expanding deep-sea trawler industry,” she said. Sitharaman further stated that opposition parties are spreading baseless allegations that the livelihoods of traditional fishermen are being harmed, and reaffirmed that the Centre is actively working to protect their interests.

Source: DT NEXT