The Villupuram district administration has warned fishermen of the district against using purse seine nets, which are banned by the State government. The administration said there would be serious legal consequences, besides seizure of boats and catch and withdrawal of welfare schemes. In a press release, Collector D. Mohan said the State government, as per the Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, had banned purse seine nets as it seriously harmed marine life. Officials of the Fisheries Department said several States had imposed a ban on purse seine fishing because it was a highly damaging and ecologically unsustainable method. Fishermen in the district should change their methods and make use of alternatives supported by the government, Mr. Mohan said. If they violate the ban, the boats used for fishing and the catch would be confiscated. Legal proceedings would be initiated against the violators, he said, and added that the welfare schemes being given to fishermen would be withdrawn.
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