Vizag: Fishermen Protest Illegal Use of Ring Nets

Visakhapatnam: Fishing communities in coastal areas are protesting the illegal use of ring nets by some fishermen.

Despite an official ban and numerous interventions by authorities, the use of ring nets by some fishermen poses a serious threat to our livelihood and hurts the ecological balance of the region's marine environment, the protesters say.

Protests have erupted in Yendada, Bheemili, Moolapalem, Vasavanipalem, Uppada, Mangawanipeta and Nagamayyapalem stretches. This caused tension in the community, leading to altercations between rival sides.

Local fisherman Gopal Rao said, "There are fights and threats, but what can we do? We have to protect our way of life. We urge officials to strictly enforce the ban. Until this illegal action stops, the fight will continue."

The issue dates back to 2014, when unrest erupted within the fishing community and the authorities intervened to restore calm. By year 2020, the dispute came to the fore again. Traditional fishermen went and filed a case in the high court, seeking action against owners of 90 ring nets operating in the district.

In response, the fisheries department reported that only 13 ring nets had proper licences. The court ruled that others must stop using ring nets immediately and that the existing licences should not be renewed.

The court also restricted the use of ring nets to a range of 8km until the time the permits expired. This helped restore peace.

In the past three months, traditional fishermen have observed the use of ring nets. They met district joint collector Mayur Ashok and presented a complaint.

Joint director of the fisheries department, P Lakshmana Rao, issued strong warnings to those illegally using ring nets. He said the department, in cooperation with the Marine Police, would monitor such activities. “If rule violations are detected, the nets will be seized.” However, he said monitoring beyond 50km from the shore presents significant challenges.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Rao said, “To enhance our monitoring capabilities, we propose installing transponders on fishing boats. We are even ready to provide these transponders for free to ensure compliance."

Traditional fisherman V Yellaji said, “More vigorous enforcement and stricter penalties for violators are needed. Without strong action from the authorities, our efforts to protect the marine environment and sustain our livelihoods will be undermined.”