Mumbai: Now, fishermen can avail compensation for losses incurred while rescuing marine animals during fishing activities. According to a new government resolution (GR) issued by the state government, fishermen will be compensated at least up to '25,000 for losses incurred.
The fishing community has stated that many times when injured mar-ine species get accidentally caught in the fishing net, they have to cut the net or release the species back into the sea that means giving up other fishes in the same net.
The state government has stated that in case of accidental trapping of marine species like shark, turtles and dolphin among others, the fishermen needs to release these marine animals back into the sea.
“Many times, the fishing community has sha-red their grievances to us, where they have to cut their fishing nets to release the endangered species accidentally cau-ght in the net. This also leads to financial loss to them, as the nets get permanently damaged and the fishes caught for selling purpose too gets released into the sea. This will also help in regulating illegal trade of these animals,” said an official from the state mangrove cell.
The fisherman has to submit details of fishing boat license, along with the global positioning sy-stem location, where the fish was caught and photographic evidence. An application to the state mangrove cell also needs to be made for the same.
“We welcome the move by the state government to provide compensation to fishermen. However, we would want a strong action from the government on the illegal trawl-ers that are still using pu-rse seine nets and chemicals for fishing, which is polluting these marine species,” said Damodar Tandel, president of Akh-il Maharashtra Machhi-mar Kruti Samiti.
