Be cautious in adopting western marine principles: TN to

The Tamil Nadu government today asked the Centre to exercise "caution" in adopting western principles while finalising the new draft policy on marine fisheries.
The suggestion was made at the meeting on Draft National Policy on Marine Fisheries 2016, headed by Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh here. Fisheries ministers from coastal states were present at the meet.
"The traditional marine fisheries sector is still hereditary in nature and fishing is primarily done by hunting. Hence, caution must be exercised while adopting principles followed by western countries...," Tamil Nadu Fisheries minister Jayakumar said.
He said adopting western guidelines may have the potential to "hamper the interest of the traditional fisher folk of the country".

Besides, the AIADMK minister also suggested that the Centre allow "open access" in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to owners of coastal fishing vessels having below 24 metres overall length.
While providing seamless communication facilities to fishermen under the proposed new policy, the Tamil Nadu government suggested that their "safety and security" issues need to be ensured while venturing into high seas and the Area Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ).

"Necessary provisions should be made for streamlining and simplifying licensing for fishermen to use VHF (Very High Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) for seamless communication network facilities. These procedures are extremely tedious at present in our country," Jayakumar said.

He reiterated the state government's stand to rescind the guidelines on 'deepsea fishing' i.E. Allowing foreign fishing vessels under Letter of Permit in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
Jayakumar also demanded the Centre's intervention for the release of 20 Tamil fishermen and 118 fishing boats from Sri Lankan Navy's custody.
The Draft National Policy on Marine Fisheries 2016 is likely to be finalised soon.