Media report states that over 27,000 boat owners from Gujarat went on strike against the proposed Marine Act not only allows entry of foreign players but also restricts their movement in the sea. Local fishermen said that the strike would be a day-long on Friday. It is told that the proposed Act not only allows entry of foreign players but also restricts their movement in the sea. The strike is in response to a call from Indian Fishermen Association, National Fishing Forum and Akhil Gujarat Machhimari Mahamandal, Federation of Indian Fishermen and Industries.
Industry insider opined that the protest comes after talks with the union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar in New Delhi on 3 February failed to achieve desired results.
Welkins Masani, president of IFA said that Pawar was in favour of entry of foreign ships and foreign technology into the Indian sea, which is being vehemently opposed by the fishermen.
Masani also told that entry of foreign ships is banned in countries like China, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Netherlands, then why is India encouraging it. He added that big foreign ships and trawlers will pollute the water more. The Centre’s proposed Marine Fisheries (Regulation and Maintenance) Act contains a clause which bans fishing beyond 12 nautical miles from the port where the boats and trawlers are registered.
