In view of the crisis in the fisheries sector due to falling catch, traditional fishermen in the State have requested the Fisheries Minister to declare a fish famine’ and announce financial package for the affected fishers. Fishers Coordination Committee state secretary Charles George said he had met the Minister last week and submitted a charter of demands. Though we have experienced fish shortage in the past, the condition is severe this year. The crisis caused by dwindling fish catch has been deepening with every passing year, pushing the State’s fisherfolk into despair. A total of 1.4 lakh fisher families have been affected so far, said Charles George.The primary cause of the crisis is fall in the catch of sardine, the main fish variety caught by traditional fishermen. The shortage of sardine also raises nutritional concerns as it is an easily available and cost-effective source of protein. There has been a fall in the catch of other pelagic fishes also, including mackerel and anchovies. The crisis has also affected certain businesses that depend on the fisheries sector.
2016, The New Indian Express.