Use of electricity and battery in fishing at Loktak lake or elsewhere is punishable with one year in prison or a Rs 5000 fine, or both, under the Manipur Fisheries Act 1988, informed the Director, State Department of Fisheries Heisnam Balkrishna. The Fisheries Director made the remark during a community outreach programme on the theme “Electric fishing ban and fishing ban in Loktak lake” held at Chinglak Community Hall, Thanga Khunjem Leikai.
Addressing the gathering, Heisnam Balkrishna stated that electric fishing in and around Loktak lake causes immense damage to the ecological balance in the region. In an attempt to catch the fishes of their choice, some fisherfolk use electricity or battery and end up harming various small fishes as well as other aquatic life forms. The Manipur Fisheries Act 1988 was passed to cull such harmful practices.
In many instances, fisherfolk who were arrested for electric fishing were let go due to lack of knowledge about the Manipur Fisheries Act 1988.However, now with more awareness about this Act, the erring individuals can be adequately punished, he said. He assured to hold discussions with higher ups in the Police Department regarding this Act. The Fisheries Director said that fishing is banned at the Loktak lake in the months of June, July and August as these are the breeding and hatching season for fishes.
If fishes carrying eggs are extensively caught by fisherfolk during such seasons then it may lead to extinction of certain species of fishes or lead to a decrease in fish population, he said, explaining the reason for the ban.
Thus, he appealed people at large to stop fishing using electricity and battery and fishing during their breeding and hatching season. The community outreach programme was jointly organised by the Morning Star Association (MSA) and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Manipur It was also attended by L Ranjit, president, MSA; Hemchandra Ningthoukhongjam, Project Officer, Directorate of Fisheries; K Dineshor, District Fishery Officer Bishnupur and S Jiten, District Fishery Officer Chandel.
As a part of the event, cash awards and certificates were distributed to the winners of the essay competition on “The importance of Loktak lake in the economic development of Manipur” held on May 11. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd position winners were given Rs 3000, Rs 2000 and Rs 1000 respectively. In addition, consolation prizes of Rs 500 each were also handed out.