Karnataka Marine Regulation Act to be amended soon: Fisheries Department Director Ramakrishna

July 26: Launch of ‘Marine Fisheries Improvement Project’, was organised by Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB) in association with Fisheries College, at Hotel Ocean Pearl in Mangalore on Thursday, July 25.
Fisheries Department, Bangalore, Director Ramakrishna while speaking during the launch said that the state government is likely to introduce an amendment to Karnataka Marine (Fishing) Regulation Act 1986 and a draft is being prepared regarding this.
He mentioned that there are around 200 legal trawl boats and around 300 legal purse seine boats. But, more than 1,000 illegal bull trawling and purse seine boats are carrying out illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in high sea, beyond 200 nautical miles. He even said that mechanised bull trawl and purse seine fishing are the main reasons for a significant decrease in the population of pelagic fish.
He stated that stated that Karnataka has provided around Rs 248 crore subsidy to fishermen, which is highest compared to any other state in India. Clean harbours, safety of fishermen and improvement of communication are the main priorities of the government