District Collector Pravin Kumar assured fishermen of taking their problems to the notice of the government and striving to resolve them. Traditional fishermen of Visakhapatnam had complained to the Collector that mechanised fishing boats from East Godavari were fishing in the waters off Visakhapatnam and depriving small fishermen of their livelihood. The Collector called both parties and held a meeting with them on Friday. After hearing both parties, Mr. Pravin Kumar said there were no restrictions on fishing after 23 km from the coast according to the Marine Fisheries Regulatory Act. However, those who violate the Act would be liable for action. He called upon them for collective action on enhancing the fish resources as it was major contributor to the national income. Traditional fishermen, operating catamarans from the city, said the amount of catch they were getting at the end of a hard day at sea, was being earned by mechanised boat operators in just one hour. This was depriving them of their livelihood. The Collector reminded that fishermen from Visakhapatnam would be fishing in East Godavari and Srikakulam districts also and called for mutual cooperation. The fishermen from East Godavari called for unity among fishermen to prevent the jacking up of the cost of ice by traders. ‘Action will be taken’ Police Commissioner Yoganand said it had come to his notice that some fishermen were resorting to cutting of nets and indulging in attacks on the sea. He said those indulging in such acts would be taken to task. Superintendent of Police Naveen Gulati and Joint Collector-2 Venkat Reddywere among those who attended.
2016, The Hindu