Fishermen venturing into sea in mechanised boats were warned not to cross Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Indian waters as well as the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Violators would be punished with a fine of Rs.1.50 lakh initially as per the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act of 1983, said Collector Sajjansingh R. Chavan. In a statement issued here, Mr. Chavan said a meeting of all stakeholders was convened recently and they were informed that mechanised fishing boats venturing into sea were being monitored by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). The IOTC warned that the fishermen were fishing in international waters violating the regulations. With a view to creating awareness among the stakeholders, meetings were convened at the Collectorates in April and June. Besides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a joint meeting of the fishermen on June 23 and discussed prevention of fishermen from fishing near Diego Garcia Island. With a view to conveying the decision taken at the joint meeting of MFA, a meeting of fishermen was convened recently at the Collectorate. As per the decision, if the fishermen indulged in fishing near Diego Garcia Island, their mechanised boats would be banned for fishing in addition to fine of Rs.1.5 lakh. If they failed to pay the fine within the prescribed time, fine amount would be hiked. After remitting the hiked fine, the boat would be released. Apart from this, the biometric ID cards of the fishermen concerned would also be cancelled. If the mechanised boats continue fishing near the island, the registration and licence would be cancelled permanently. Welfare schemes for violating fishermen would also be stopped. Fishermen crossing international borders would be monitored by the Indian Coast Guard and action taken against them, warned Mr. Chavan.
2016, The Hindu