All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators’ Association has appealed to the Union government to establish good coastal roads in the State for boosting tourism as well as to help fishermen realise better price for their catch. A memorandum submitted to Union Minister for Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh, the boat operators said that good coastal connectivity is an added attraction that boosts tourism. They cited the example of Australia where some of the coastal roads had become geographical landmarks. Marketing When roads in the coastal areas are developed the fishermen can market their catches to the needy without the help of middlemen, they said citing the examples of Chellanam and Vypeen fishing harbours, which are frequented by people from far away places to buy fresh fish. The consumers who come to the harbours get fresh fish and the fishermen get better prices. Tourism The tourist flow to the Cherai beach near Kochi can be increased if the coastal roads are improved, the memorandum said. The boat operators also feel that tourism destinations like the Bekal Fort can realise better business if the coastal road access is improved. Both foreign and domestic tourists would be helped by the coastal road improvement. Besides boosting tourism, better connectivity to help fishermen get better prices for their catch.
2016, The Hindu