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The Indian Coast Guard successfully saved a fishing boat and its 10-member crew from perilous waters in the Palk Bay in a riveting maritime rescue. Departing from Navoor harbor in Nagapattnam on October 5, the vessel encountered a dire situation when a hull crack emerged, causing uncontrolled water ingress and engine failure during the night.

Promptly alerted by the State Fisheries Department authorities in Rameswaram, the Coast Guard station at Mandapam swiftly deployed the ICGS C-432 for a rescue mission. The distressed fishing boat, found approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Pamban in the Palk Bay, was rescued without hesitation.

Executing a seamless operation, the Coast Guard safely handed over the relieved crew members and the damaged boat to Fisheries Department officials near the Pamban fishing harbor in Rameswaram. The successful rescue underscores the Coast Guard’s dedication to safeguarding lives at sea and ensuring the welfare of those in maritime distress.

A recent study, published in the Nature Journal npj Ocean Sustainability, reveals that deep-sea mining activities could disrupt the expected changes in tuna migration patterns driven by climate change. Seafood groups, alarmed by these findings, have issued a joint letter advocating for a suspension of deep-sea mining plans.

The study, focusing on three tuna species, anticipates alterations in migration patterns due to climate change. Two emission scenarios, one with moderate and the other with high emissions, were examined. Notably, the study predicts a rise in the total biomass of bigeye (10-11%), skipjack (30-31%), and yellowfin tuna (23%) in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) by 2050. The CCZ, located southeast of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean, is earmarked for potential deep-sea mining.

Dr. Juliano Palacios Abrantes, co-author of the study from the University of British Columbia, emphasizes the economic dependence on the biodiversity of the high seas. He expresses concern that deep-sea mining adds another layer of uncertainty to the impact of climate change on tuna species and associated fisheries.

Potential impacts on tuna species outlined in the study include sediment plumes hindering feeding and communication, as well as the absorption of toxic metals. Noise and light pollution from mining activities could disrupt behaviour, reproduction rates, induce stress, and alter migratory routes.

The clash between valuable fisheries and mining companies in the CCZ is anticipated. The Global Tuna Alliance, representing 32% of global tuna sales, and the Sustainable Seafood Coalition, comprising 45 British seafood firms, jointly criticize the United Nations body regulating high seas seabeds. Citing the study, these groups express deep concern over the significant overlap between future fishing grounds and areas designated for mineral exploration.

Ahead of the upcoming International Seabed Authority (ISA) meeting, the groups call for a pause, citing environmental and economic risks. Daniel Suddaby, Executive Director at Global Tuna Alliance, remarks on sailing into “uncharted territory” with unknown risks posed by deep-sea mining in critical high-seas regions for tuna species.

Professor Douglas McCauley, co-author of the study, warns against rushed decisions that could harm ocean ecosystems crucial for environmental balance, planetary health, and global food security. The groups collectively stress the need for careful consideration before proceeding with deep-sea mining initiatives.

Puducherry: Union Minister of Fisheries, Parshottam Rupala, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by fishermen nationwide during a visit to the Thengaithittu fishing harbour in Puducherry on Sunday.

As part of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra, Minister Rupala toured coastal areas on both the east and west coasts to assess the progress of various Central schemes and engage with fishermen to better understand their issues and experiences.

Highlighting the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Mr. Rupala urged fishermen, women self-help group members, cooperative societies, and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the benefits offered under this scheme.

During his visit to the Cuddalore fishing harbour, the Minister interacted with local fishermen, accompanied by L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, along with senior officials from the Fisheries Department.

The presence of Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and Lieutenant Governor Tamilasai Soundararajan underscored the significance of the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the fishing community. Minister Rupala’s coastal tour serves as a proactive approach to ensure the effective implementation of policies and schemes aimed at benefiting fishermen across the nation.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, along with Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan, is all set to inaugurate Sagar Parikrama Phase-IX today, at Thondi in the Ramnad District of Tamil Nadu. The launch will mark the beginning of an extensive journey covering eight coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, including Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Viluppuram, Chengalpattu, Chennai, and extending to Karaikal and Puducherry.

The primary focus of Sagar Parikrama Phase IX is to establish direct engagement with the fishing communities. Politicians will have interactive sessions with fishermen, facilitating the distribution of certificates and sanctions related to key schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and State Schemes.

Highlight events during the Parikrama include stage events at Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour (October 7), Poompuhar Fishing Harbour (October 8), and Cuddalore Fishing Harbour (October 8). The dissemination of literature on various schemes, including PMMSY, State schemes, e-shram, FIDF, and KCC, is planned to enhance awareness among the beneficiaries.

Sagar Parikrama, designed as a comprehensive outreach program, aims to connect with fishermen communities along the coastline, understanding their challenges, experiences, and aspirations. This initiative also serves as a platform to create awareness about government schemes and programs available to them.

The participation in Sagar Parikrama Phase –IX extends beyond political figures, including officials from the Fisheries Department Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, District officials, Senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, National Fisheries Development Board, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training, Fishery Survey of India, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical & Engineering Training, and the Indian Coast Guard.

Various stakeholders, ranging from fishers and fishermen representatives to fish farmers, entrepreneurs, fishermen cooperative society leaders, professionals, and scientists, are expected to actively engage in the events and interactions during the journey from Thondi, Ramnad District of Tamil Nadu, to Chennai, traversing other districts and culminating in Puducherry.

This initiative builds upon the success of the first eight segments of Sagar Parikrama, which covered 4,115 kilometres across eight coastal states and union territories. The government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the fishing community and fostering economic upliftment through schemes like Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is evident in this progressive initiative. Sagar Parikrama remains a crucial platform for disseminating information about these schemes, promoting responsible fisheries practices, and safeguarding marine ecosystems.