TN opposes Marine Fisheries Bill

The Tamil Nadu government has objected to the Marine Fisheries (Regulation and Management) Bill 2009.

“The main apprehension of the fishermen is that the Bill has been drafted without taking into consideration the views of the stakeholders and that the penalty clauses are very severe. The fishermen are of the view that the conditions stipulated in the Bill for fishing beyond 12 nautical miles are too severe and impracticable,” state chief minister M Karunanidhi said in a letter to Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar.

The chief minister also asked Pawar to initiate a wider dialogue with stakeholders concerned for introducing an “inclusive and progressive” legislation. AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa, on the other hand, said her party would oppose it even at the introduction stage.

While the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, regulated and monitored fishing activities within the territorial waters of the state, the provisions of the draft Bill went against the interests of fishermen, he added.

With the fishery resources in the inshore area almost exploited, fishermen are venturing into the sea beyond 12 nautical miles for capitalising on the underexploited offshore resources.

Under the penalty clause, a fine of Rs 9 lakh is imposed for fishing beyond the International Maritime Boundary Line.

The proposed Bill is expected to be introduced in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.