Commotion between Trawl Boat and Purse Seine Fishermen Associations during Protest against LED Fishing
Udupi: Chaos erupted between trawl boat and country boat operators and Purse Seine Fishermen associations during the protest against using lights beyond 12 nautical miles from the shore in Malpe on Tuesday, March 5.
Traditional fishermen alleged that mechanised fishing vessels were violating the ban imposed by the government on fishing using artificial lights, which attracts fish during the night. In November 2017 the Union government had imposed a ban on the use of LED lights for deep sea fishing as it posed a threat to traditional fishermen and caused the death of small fishes. Already a few boats fitted with LED lights have entered the sea for fishing which is against the rules. The order also prohibited the use or installation or operation of surface or submerged artificial lights/LED lights, fish light attractors or any other light equipment with or without the generator on mechanized fishing vessels. The Coast Guard and local police failed to take necessary steps to prevent the use of LED lights for fishing, they said.
Trawl boat and country boat operators on Tuesday organized a protest against using lights beyond 12 nautical miles from the shore. The protesters gathered in large numbers and tried to close the Malpe harbour main gate. The members of the Purse Seine Fishermen association objected to closing the gate.
A commotion erupted between both groups. The Trawl boat and country boat operators alleged that the members of Purse Seine Fishermen association assaulted their members. They also demanded the police to take action against the members of the Purse Seine Fishermen association. The police tried to pacify the fishermen, but angry fishermen demanded to arrest the members of the Purse Seine Fishermen association.
DySP Jaishanker who arrived at the spot and warned members of both the fishermen associations of stern action if they involve themselves in any violence. Later both the groups dispersed.
