Mumbai: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday ordered an investigation into the brawl between traditional fishermen and LED trawlers, which led to a few fishermen sustaining injuries. The announcement comes a day after a delegation of fishermen met ministers Jayant Patil, Subhash Desai and the CM.
Since last month, there has been a rise in fights between traditional fishermen and those using LED trawlers in Alibaug, where the former has claimed loss of fishing areas due to mechanised fishing by the latter.
On November 15, a huge fight took place between bull and LED trawlers, and traditional fishermen along the Alibaug coast when the latter objected to the use of high intensity lights during fishing. Eventually, some traditional fishermen were grievously injured.
“A similar incident happened near Colaba on December 8, where fibre boat fishermen were fatally injured. Our delegation met the CM on December 11. During our meeting, the CM spoke to Raigad police on the matter and an FIR has been lodged against miscreants,” said Kiran Koli, secretary of the Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti.
The CM had also assured the delegation that the recent ban of fishing activities through LED lights will be thoroughly implemented, adding that a meeting will be held on the matter with the fisheries department.
Meanwhile, fishermen will observe a one-day ban in Sassoon Dock on Friday to protest against the attacks. “Sassoon Dock usually witnesses fishermen from these areas. The one-day ban is a symbolic demonstration against the illegal fishing practices,” said Mr Koli.
Traditional fishermen claim that LED fishermen dominate fishing areas as huge stocks of fish get attracted towards the light. Since traditional fishermen have limited sources, they face losses due to decline in the overall catch.
