Forest Department warns against catching birds on shore

Recently, an incident came to light in Rameswaram in which fishermen were found using transparent nets on the shore, buried under the sand, to trap birds. A seagull was caught in one of the nets. It was trying to fly away but was not able to do so as it was trapped in the net. On seeing the bird struggling to come out of the nets, a group of tourists severed the net and helped the birds fly away. 

Though local fishermen were inquired about the incident, they denied any knowledge about it. However, the Forest Department has issued stern warnings to fishermen who indulge in trapping birds. 

Speaking to DT NEXT, S Sathish, Mandapam Forest Ranger, said birds feed on small marine organisms on the shore and fishermen bury the nets in the area where the birds feed in large numbers, trapping them. If the shore is empty, the fishermen take away the birds but when tourists are present they get caught. If the fishermen are caught trapping the birds on the shore, they would be fined up to Rs 25,000 and if they fail to pay they will land in prison, said Sathish.