Demonetisation effect: Fishermen to keep away from sea

The Centre's decision to scrap Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes to curb black money has taken a toll on the fishing business in the state with some fishermen associations resolving to abstain from fishing from Saturday until things stabilise.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting convened by the Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association here on Friday.

"Fishermen are having a tough time selling their catch to buyers and seafood dealers, who tender high value currency notes during transactions," said Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Fishermen Association General Secretary N J Bose.

"We are unable to accept these notes that have been banned by the government," he said, adding until the situation turns normal, the fishermen would not venture into sea.

As per the resolution passed, fishers from this town, Mandapam, Ervadi, and Tuticorin would boycott fishing from Saturday.