MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s fishermen’s unions expressed disappointment on Thursday after learning that the government’s monsoon ban on deep-sea fishing will end on August 1, instead of August 15 as announced earlier. Koli fishermen said the sudden reversal would mainly benefit large commercial operators whose trawlers are better equipped to venture into deep waters than traditional fishing boats. “Traditional fishermen are not prepared to resume fishing yet, whereas wealthy boat owners, who are equipped and ready, will gain an unfair 15-day advantage,” said Devendra Tandel, president of the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti. In May and June, Koli fishermen had welcomed the Maharashtra government’s decision to extend the monsoon fishing ban until August 15 to help conserve marine life and allow fish to breed. However, the Central government had already notified a separate policy for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond 12 nautical miles, under which the ban ends on July 31. Fishermen said the state government did not inform them about this difference. Angry fishermen’s unions met Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane on Thursday evening to raise the issue. Tandel said, “The state govt itself announced a ban until Aug 15. Trusting this decision, thousands of fishermen planned maintenance of their boats, engines, fishing nets and the engagement of crew members. However, at the last moment, the govt has now announced that fishing beyond 12 nautical miles (24 km) will be permitted from Aug 1. If the govt was aware since March that the Centre’s EEZ fishing ban would end on July 31, why weren’t we informed? Moreover, fisheries laws are enacted not for fishermen but for the fish which need to be conserved and protected. Fish do not know the 12 nautical mile concept. They are migratory in nature.” Versova Koli leader Pradeep Tapke said local boats remain idle because their owners had planned to repair and paint them before August 15. “We cannot suddenly rise and head out to sea Aug 1. Riding a boat is not like driving a car where you just fill petrol and start the engine. Each trip calls for planned investment, diesel stocks, labourers, food and equipment. The authorities should plan better.” Kalina Koli leader Nayana Patil asked whether the government would compensate fishermen who risk their lives by venturing into the sea in rough weather before August 15.
