Fishermen face the heat over spiralling prices of diesel

In particular, fishermen belonging to Thoothukudi district, where the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act (1983) is being implemented properly, say they have been hit hard.

As per the Act, mechanised boat fishing is allowed from 5 am to 9 pm every day. The fishermen must return to shore in time or face action from authorities. Considering this, they say they have no alternative but to sail at a considerable speed, which results in consumption of a large quantity of diesel.

“High-power engines guzzle a large amount of diesel. It requires about five to six barrels each containing 15,000 litres for a day’s trip. We can meet the fuel expense only when we catch fish worth Rs 75,000,” said S Joeboy, a mechanized boat owner.

With catch dwindling recently, fishermen claim they face significant economic losses. This explains why they are keen on getting sanction from the authorities to engage in multi-day fishing at sea. This long pending demand is yet to be fulfilled.

“If the time restrictions are eased, boats can sail at low speeds and expenditure on diesel can be controlled. However, the amended TN Marine Fisheries Act has specified that a 24-metre long mechanised boat could be equipped with a 240 HP engine. To comply with this, the government must arrange loans for us,” Joeboy said.

Adding to the agony, seafood price has also declined affecting the demand. Three days ago, seafood trade fetched sizeable revenue at an auction held in Thoothukudi fishing harbour. But, now the selling price has come down drastically at procurement point as there were no takers from Kerala.

“Since seafood is a perishable commodity, it needs to be sold anyhow. If cold storage is available, fishes could be preserved and sold when there is a good price,” Joeboy said.

Condemning the diesel price hike, NJ Bose, president, Rameswaram All Fishermen Association, said as many as 850 mechanised boats have suspended fishing operations.

Apart from the fuel price hike, the agitating fishermen also demanded the Centre to take steps to release boats belonging to Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. Around 190 boats are in the custody of Sri Lanka and most of them were not in running condition, he said.

When contacted, Thoothukudi Collector Sandeep Nanduri said arrangements were being made to provide credit links in banks for installation of 240 HP motor engines in mechanised boats. The engine costs range from Rs 6 to 10 lakh, he said.

Meanwhile, country craft fishermen of Thoothukudi district, which has 22 coastal hamlets, struck work on Monday seeking action against mechanised boat fishermen for violating the Act, sources said.