Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Apr 4: Fishermen urged that the duration of fishing ban in the coast should be uniform in the coast. “The penalty that is being imposed by other states when the fishing boats belonging to Karnataka enter their waters should be imposed here too,” urged the fishermen.

The fishermen expressed their opinions in a meeting presided by additional deputy commissioner in the office of deputy commissioner on April 3. The meeting was attended by officials of the coast guard, fishermen's department and coastal watch dog.

Parshwanath, deputy director of Fisheries department explained the method adopted to obtain biometric card and Aadhaar cards.

Officials from coast guard informed that No 1554 should be contacted during emergencies and 1093 should be used to contact coast guard. They asked that life jacket should be worn while on duty at nights, watch out for VHF channel 16 and avoid fishing during adverse weather conditions.

Police officials said that Coastal Police force will take legal action against wrong doers with cooperation from fishermen. Additional Deputy Commissioner Anuradha suggested to form a coordination committee consisting of the department of fisheries, coast guards and coastal watch dog for protection of fish and welfare of fishermen.

The fishermen meanwhile urged to form a state-level policy regarding the duration of fishing ban. The additional deputy commissioner also asked to implement the resolutions of the meeting.

Fishermen's leader Ramesh Kotian, Gopal Kunder, Dayanand Suvarna and others were present.