Fishermen observe strike against nod to large fishing trawlers

A large number of fishermen across the state observed a day-long strike to protest the Centre's recent decision to allow deep sea fishing trawlers in the waters of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
"Fishermen in the state observed a day-long strike today to oppose the Centre's decision to allow large trawlers to fish in the sea. While fishermen already face tough times, this decision will only add to their problems," Akhil Gujarat Fishermen Mahamandal's president Tulsi Gohel said.
Various fishermen's federations in Gujarat decided to support the nationwide strike called today by the All India Fishermens' Federation, convener of the Porbandar based NGO Sagar Bharati, Jivan Jungi said.

According to him, the central government's decision would destroy the livelihoods of small fishermen, since large trawlers would get access to the major share of marine life using advanced technology, leaving nothing for those using small engine-powered boats with limited fishing capacity.
"During today's strike, around 20,000 engine-powered fishing boats across the state stayed away from fishing," Jungi said, and expressed strong opposition to Centre's move to allow large vessels of 15 metres or more, to fish in the Indian EEZ, which falls in the deep sea between 22 km and 370 km from the coast.
As per latest guidelines issued by the Centre on deep sea fishing, Indian companies with joint ventures up to 49 per cent foreign investment could also apply for fishing permits valid for five years.