Kerala: Fishermen to fight for legacy of Chinese nets

ALAPPUZHA: The inland fishermen in the state have decided to launch  an agitation against the fisheries department move to tighten the rules against Chinese nets.  Over 10,000  fishermen  would be directly affected by the  department’s decision to remove unauthorised Chinese nets and stake nets from inland water bodies. Mr V. Dinakaran, general secretary of Akhila Kerala Deevara Maha Sabha,  said that the new rules  could not be accepted.  Many fishermen have been issued notices and many nets have been removed.  “Our fight is to save a tradition that has continued for  long helping the fishermen families to survive,  especially in Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kollam districts. Dharnas will be held in  nine coastal districts on April 4,” he said.        

Resentment was brewing among fishermen against  the removal of Chinese nets over security reasons. Last year, the district administration here had issued notices to  74 fishermen to stop the use of Chinese nets set up near Kollam-Kottappuram national waterway III. Mr S. Mahesh, deputy director (zonal), fisheries department,  told DC that the department was all set to launch a drive against Chinese nets to avoid the exploitation of fish wealth in inland water bodies. As part of the drive,  zone-based census was  being taken. No unauthorised Chinese nets would be allowed to operate. Those who have proper licence should replace their nets with 20mm nets. Otherwise, they would be removed,” he said.

The Chinese nets, which are  also a  tourist attraction,   were introduced in the state by a Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 15th century.  The government had some years  ago sanctioned '15crore for retaining the Chinese nets. The port department and local bodies are still authorised to issue licences, leading to the  mushrooming Chinese nets.      “The tradition can’t be rooted out overnight though the  Chinese nets pose a threat to the breeding of many fish varieties.  It’s the source of income for hundreds of people. It’s not viable to use 20mm net for Chinese and stake nets. We need  15mm nets. Otherwise, no fishermen will get prawns during the season,” said     Mr N.P. Dinesan , secretary, fishermen forum  at  Thanneermukkom

Dr. K. Sunil Mohamed, principal scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute,  said that widespread use of Chinese nets and stake nets would be a threat to fish wealth.  “As per the new Inland Vessels Rules,  20 mm nets have been made mandatory in Chinese and stake nets. At present, fishermen use below 15mm nets trapping all juvenile fishes. They don’t return the small fishes to the river, but abandon them on the shore.  TIf they continue to use it, it would affect the natural breeding of fishes. So extensive use of such nets should be curbed,” he said.