E-survey to decide fishing policy

KOCHI: The expert committee constituted by the department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries under the Union ministry of agriculture and farmers’ welfare is conducting an online survey before preparing a revised national marine fisheries policy.

It wants to elicit the opinion of all stakeholders on key issues affecting marine fisheries. India’s current production is more than 3.5 million tonnes per year and the policy impacts on the livelihood of nearly four million coastal people.

The sector is poised for further growth for which it needs a firm policy support. There are widespread apprehensions over the unscientific fishing practices including the unrestrained operations of deep sea trawlers which call for an extensive revamp of the policy, it has been generally observed.

The survey will be in Hindi and regional languages. The views of respondents will be used only for the analysis while preparing the draft policy and they will be kept confidential, according to a release from the department.