It is well-known that the fishermen are the worst affected by the oil spill. But what afflicts them? Apart from loss of daily earnings, their fishing boats and nets are damaged. But what is more concerning for them is the psychological fear spread among consumers that marine food, especially fish, is not safe. The fishermen say it will require a sustained effort to convince regulars that consuming fish is okay. After more than a week of not going for fishing, Rajendran, 42, a fisherman from Kasi Vishwanatha Koil Kuppam near Ennore, on Sunday set off to the sea early morning and returned to the shore by 11 am. Our misery is born out of the fact our earnings have taken a nosedive and that the nets are damaged, he said. He remained adamant, saying that the fishes are healthy, contrary to speculations being spread in the public. If we get fish, we will cook and eat it right here, Rajendran remarked.As a result of the oil spill, fish business in the city has taken a sharp beating. Speaking to Express, A Sheik Dawood, Deputy General Secretary, Chintadripet Fish Market Association, said the last one week had brought sales at the market down to 10-15 per cent. There are 19 shops in the market. While earlier, each shop used to do business of nearly 1.5 tonne, now it has reduced to about 100 kg, said Dawood. According to him, the sole reason for the slump is the fear among buyers. The first thing people ask now is whether the fishes are from seas in and around Chennai. They are very apprehensive about purchasing fish, which is actually rich in proteins, and are now turning to mutton and chicken, he said. In this backdrop, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association president K Bharathi said the livelihood of lakhs of fishermen is at stake. He contended there is less possibility of fishes being contaminated as they migrate out even if there is small change in the sea water. That being the case, it is the fear psychosis which is detrimental to our business. The state government and in particular, the fisheries department, should support us in initiatives to create awareness among people, Bharathi said.
New Indian Express.2017