Tamil Nadu: Fishermen Hold Massive Protests Demanding Withdrawal of Fisheries Bill

Fishermen across Tamil Nadu held protests, demonstrations and strikes against the Indian Marine Fisheries Bill on Monday. Black flags were hoisted in fishing hamlets and mass petitions were submitted to district collectors during the protests, which demanded the withdrawal of the Bill.

In Chennai, Marina Beach was heavily barricaded to prevent fishermen from laying siege to the beach. In Thoothukudi, all fishermen stayed away from fishing to register their opposition to the Bill. The Tamil Nadu-Puducherry Fishermen Federation, an umbrella body of several fishermen unions, has called for sustained protests against the Bill.

'NO CONSULTATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS'

The fishermen unions have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of not consulting with stakeholders before moving the proposed legislation.

Speaking to Newsclick, K. Bharathi, who led the protest at Marina Beach, said: "The Bill has not taken into account issues affecting the traditional fishermen. It aims only to collect money for licenses and penalties from the fishermen. Since the Government of India has not consulted any stakeholders, they have not understood the traditions and culture of the fishing community." A provision to consider all small, fiber and mechanised boats as fishing vessels have attracted the ire of the community.

Protestors taking out a march towards Marina Beach (Image Courtesy: Sridhar Rao)

Dharmaraj, from the 'Meenavam Kaappom' (Save Fishing) movement, ridiculed the definition. "This shows the ignorance of the Union Government in understanding the different types of fishing boats used by the fishermen. Traditional fishermen and owners don't have the capacity to install sophisticated equipment in their boats. Only large vessels use such technology. Bringing all boats under a single category is absurd," he said.

'PUNISHMENT IS PRIORITISED'

The Bill has listed punishments for violations by fishermen in case of obtaining licences and staying in the restricted areas, among others. Traditional fishermen venture into sea at conducive times which they decide on with the support of minimal technology.

Fishermen taking out a rally in Thoothukudi

"Making the fishermen obtain a licence for fishing in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ); on payment of fees, restricting their timing for fishing and punishing them, goes against their rights to fish. In all probability, this Bill will only snatch the rights of fishermen and force them to abide by the diktats of some implementing authority," said Bharathi.

The protesting fishermen's leaders also fear the Bill will hasten the process of the fishing business being handed over to corporates. "With so many restrictions, the traditional fishermen will be forced to move away from the sea and fishing itself. This will lead to the exploitation of the wealth in the seas by corporates who will have a free hand then," Dharmaraj claimed.

"The 16-page Bill has dedicated 14 pages to haunting traditional fishermen. It barely talks about the sufferings and plight of the fishing community," Bharathi added.

'WITHDRAW BILL AND SAVE FISHERMEN'

The inland fish-sellers and fishermen have also united in opposing the Bill and demanding its immediate withdrawal. S. Anthony, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Fish Workers Union (CITU) said: "Inland fisherman and women who are involved in selling fish will also be affected by the Bill. This in turn will increase the price for consumers and lead to a loss of jobs."

Inland fishermen holding a protest against the bill in Nagercoil.

The leaders said that the Bill had been drafted to "fulfil" the "government's commitment" towards various international agreements, the leaders said. "The Bill has not considered any of the long-pending demands of the fishermen, but the government has shown its intention to keep its word on international agreements. Forcing the fishermen out of sea will not only affect the foreign exchange to the state and union governments, but will also affect easily-available nutritious food to the public," Bharathi added.

Fishermen holding demonstration in front of Kanyakumari District Collector office.

The leaders of various unions who took part in the protest have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Bill and has vowed to "continue the fight against the Union Government".