Kollam: The fishermen community in the State will observe 'World Fisheries Day' falling on November 21 as a day of protest against the anti-fishermen policies of the state and central governments. The Kerala Swatantra Matsyathozhilali Federation (KSMTF) will take out a march in Kollam raising various demands.
The federation, by observing protest day, raises their voice against the Central shipping ministry's decision to create a shipping corridor along the coastal sea citing that it might affect the fishermen's livelihood across coastal states. The designated corridor is 15 nautical miles from the coast having a width of 20 nautical miles where most of the fishing occurs, it is alleged.
The area across which the corridor has been proposed is the main fishing ground where thousands of fishing boats are into fishing. The move will affect the availability of fish for domestic use and also foreign money earned through exports, as the west coast is a major breeding ground for fish in the country, according to fishermen.
The fishermen also demand permission for traditional fishermen to fish in any area of the sea within the national boundary. The corridor also restricts traditional fishermen from entering the designated shipping corridor.
The traditional fishing boats that use kerosene as fuel have tough times with the hike in kerosene price.
The fishermen raise their demand of consistent subsidy distribution through Matsyafed and to ensure supply of kerosene by the Central Government.
The fishermen under the district committee of KSMTF will conduct a march from Vadi harbour to port Kollam by 10 am on Wednesday followed by a sit-in protest at the entrance of the port as part of the protest.
