Fishermen’s unions staged a protest march and dharna on Saturday (January 11) against the government’s move to mine seas under the ‘Unlock Blue Economy’ programme meant to tap mineral deposits in the Indian seas.

The Matsya Thozhilali Union (CITU) organised a march on Saturday against what it called the “loot of the seas.” Union district secretary Yesudas Parappily said mining the seas for minerals would disrupt the environmental balance.

The march was taken out to a hotel in the city where officials held discussions with dredging and mining company representatives. Members of the Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi also staged a dharna outside the hotel, according to Vedi convenor Charles George. Dheevera Sabha, AITUC, TUCI, STU, and boat owners were among those who joined the protest.