The Matsya Thozhilali Federation has approached the Central government with various demands, including the abandonment of blue economy projects within 75 nautical miles of the coast. In a memorandum to the government, Federation State president Ummer Ottummal said that up to 75 nautical miles of the shore should be considered the work area of traditional fisherfolk. Mr. Ottummal also demanded that marine fisheries norms should not be applicable to traditional fishermen engaged in the trade with or without the help of machines. He sought more time to respond to the Indian Marine Fisheries Bill as its translations in eight languages were distributed only in recent days. “The presentation of the Bill in Parliament should be postponed as we require more time to study it and respond creatively,” he said. According to the Federation, the laws should protect traditional fishermen. “Any change in existing rules or formation of new laws should consider the traditional fishermen who make a hard living by battling the sea every day,” said Mr. Ottummal.
2021, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD.