Banned nets: Mandapam fishermen strike work

They also took part in a hunger strike seeking action against those using the banned nets such as ‘purse seine’. Traders in Mandapam also extended their support to the strike by downing shutters, sources said.

Protesters claimed that the rampant use of banned nets has resulted in a gradual depleting of fish stocks. If such an illegal practice is allowed to continue, the livelihood of fishermen would be at stake, they said.

“Furthermore, fishermen of Rameswaram, Pamban and Thangachimadam have been crossing their limits and fishing illegally in the waters off Mandapam coast,” the protesters said.

However, fishermen from the three coastal hamlets mentioned above levelled charges against the fishermen of Mandapam, stating that the latter were also indulging in unlawful practice of fishing sea cucumber. The marine species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Act, 1972. They had even submitted a petition to the Rameswaram Deputy Superintendent of Police on January 22 seeking action against the Mandapam fishermen.

In an attempt to end hostility between the two groups, a peace committee meeting was convened by the Ramanathapuram Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), Suman. Representatives of both the groups were asked to maintain the status quo under Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983. They were asked to give up any illegal method of fishing and warned of action if there was any violation, Regional Deputy Director of Fisheries E Kathavarayan said. Rameswaram Deputy Superintendent of Police M Mahesh was also present at the meeting, sources said.