By Express News Service
30 Sep 2010 01:11:25 AM IST
Lift ban on harvesting sea cucumber: Fishermen
RAMANATHAPURAM: The government should lift the ban on netting sea cucumber, as this species provided a livelihood for many families of fishermen, Paulsamy, president of Ramanathapuram District Fish Workers Trade Union (RFTU), demanded, here on Wednesday.
After leading a demonstration near the new bus stand, Paulsamy told media persons that though the State had a long coast, the fishermen were allowed to fish only in limited areas of waters and the GOMBRT had banned the fishing of a variety of marine species. Many fishermen had been jailed for netting sea cucumbers and fined by GOMBRT, leaving many families in dire straits.
Over 10,000 fishermen and 2 lakh allied workers depended on sea cucumbers for their livelihood in the district. Scientists and experts had assured their fishing would not deplete sea cucumber.
He warned that if government failed to withdraw the cases against innocent fishermen, they would launch agitations, including rail roko and demonstration opposite central government offices, shortly.
They would also be forced to boycott the ensuing Assembly elections, he said.
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