Sri Lanka: Colombo Port City construction severely impacting the livelihoods of local

fishermen

China’s investment in Sri Lanka is often portrayed as “debt trap diplomacy.” While it’s true that China invested
almost $12 billion between 2006 to 2019, a recent Chatham House report paints a more complex and
nuanced picture. According to available data, Sri Lanka is not in a Chinese debt trap — Sri Lanka’s debt to
China amounts to only 6 percent of GDP. Rather, Sri Lanka has a general debt problem, owing about 27
percent of GDP to international financial markets and multilateral lenders like the World Bank. This false debt
trap narrative has dominated discussion of the Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka, at the expense of
important questions about the wider impact of Chinese investment. In particular, Sri Lanka should consider
the environmental and labor impacts of Chinese investment to ensure they get the most out of the Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI). We found there to be significant environmental and labor implications of Chinese
investment in Sri Lanka, which reveal benefits and costs for the local environment and labor force. These
impacts should be prudently managed to ensure that Sri Lanka maximizes the gains and minimizes the risks of
the BRI.

Environmental Aspects: While China’s “Green Belt and Road” has received considerable attention, the
environmental impact of Chinese investment projects in Sri Lanka has been mixed. According to
environmental advocates, early infrastructure projects, including the construction of Hambantota Port and
Norochcholai Power Plant did not meet international environmental standards with respect to feasibility
studies and domestic legislation processes. Similarly, some sources reported that construction of Colombo
Port City (a commercial and residential project on reclaimed land near the Colombo port) resulted in a
decrease of fish stocks, severely impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen. Sri Lanka has comprehensive
domestic environmental legislation, encompassing a wide range of regulations and standards. The detail and
implementation of such legislation, however, is wanting. For example, although Environmental Impact
Assessments (EIA) are legally required for development projects, the Colombo Port City appears to have been
initiated without a comprehensive study and subsequent EIAs for the project were criticized for lacking
specificity, transparency, and due consideration of project alternatives.

More recently, however, Chinese investments have shown positive environmental signs. Colombo Port City
has committed to a long-term Sustainability Master Plan, setting standards and protection measures for
pollution, waste control, and biodiversity. The Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), a Chinese-
built and operated terminal of the Colombo port, has prioritized green technology, becoming the first terminal
of the port to convert its regular cranes to zero-emission electric cranes, minimizing air pollution and carbon
emissions.The CICT terminal is the most profitable terminal of the Colombo port, demonstrating that Chinese
investments can simultaneously pursue commercial success and environmental responsibility. Chinese
investors have also shown agility in adapting and responding to public concerns. In particular, the CHEC Port
City Colombo (CPCC), a local subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company, which is developing
Colombo Port City, spent about $3 million from 2016 to 2019 to support around 9,000 fishing families as part
of their corporate social responsibility measures. Yet while progress has been made in all these areas, Sri
Lanka must still improve its domestic environmental laws and regulatory powers to ensure consistent
environmental standards.

Labor Issues: Two common perceptions about Chinese investment projects in Sri Lanka are that they rely on
 Chinese labor, displacing local workers, and that among this labor force there are many illegal migrants. Sri
Lanka lacks a publicly available database on inbound migration and has limited ability to monitor illegal
migrants due to the absence of a central data collection system. Estimates indicate that there are
approximately 7,500 Chinese workers in Sri Lanka, accounting for just 0.1 percent of the total labor force.
Chinese projects recruit substantial numbers of local workers, although the figures tend to vary by stage of the
project. For instance, Colombo Port City, which is still being constructed, has roughly 1,637 workers, of which
about 22 percent are Chinese. On the other hand, the now completed and operational Hambantota Port
employs about 900 workers, of which less than 4 percent are Chinese. The concern about large numbers of
illegal Chinese migrants appears to be unfounded. While there are a few reported cases of Chinese workers
not possessing valid work permits, available data indicates that illegal workers in Sri Lanka come mostly from
neighboring countries like India and Pakistan and only a small (single digit) percentage from China.

Chinese migrant labor is beneficial and indeed necessary for the Sri Lankan construction sector, which is
valued at roughly $8 billion (2018). Industry experts observe that Sri Lanka has a high rate of external
migration to foreign countries, and those workers that remain see little appeal to working in the industry or
lack relevant qualifications. As such, it has been estimated by the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri
Lanka that the country needs 400,000 workers to meet the shortfall of labor in the construction sector and the
influx of Chinese workers has helped to fill this gap in the labor market.

Notwithstanding these benefits, two key areas require attention; limited data availability and the need for
inward migration regulation. To address the significant data gap, a centralized data-gathering mechanism
should be introduced across relevant government agencies. Better coordination and monitoring would allow
for more current data to continually feed into the policymaking process. With this mechanism in place, Sri
Lanka could look to regulate inward migration by identifying priority sectors. While the National Human
Resources Development Council does research on the inflow of migrant labor based on market demands, it
lacks the requisite capacity to act on policies. In addition, foreign investment companies should be mandated
to train and upskill local workers. Some Chinese companies in Sri Lanka have initiated programs to transfer
know-how and best practices, although these programs are ad hoc initiatives rather than mandated by law.

Conclusion: Chinese investment in Sri Lanka has not led to a debt trap, as such, but concerns around its impact
on the local environment and labor force in Sri Lanka reveal areas for improvement. These include improving
the availability of data about investment projects, ensuring the clarity and implementation of existing
legislation (for example, on environmental protection), and adopting new legislation (such as on inward
migration). While there are important areas for improvement to protect the environment and the local labor
force, the BRI offers Sri Lanka benefits and opportunities for the future. The post-construction plans for
Colombo Port City appear positive, including the adoption of an ecological plan to enhance biodiversity and a
Sustainability Master Plan to ensure the overall design is consistent with international best practices and
concepts like “smart cities.” Likewise, Chinese investments have helped to ease labor shortages in key
domestic industries, but Sri Lanka’s task is to concentrate on ensuring the transfer of skills and know-how to
local workers. Colombo should look to maximize these advantages by strengthening domestic laws, setting
overarching policies and guidelines, and improving interagency coordination to monitor, tackle and evaluate
the apparent challenges.

Source: The Diplomat

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India: Advisories for fisheries sector become part of FAO''s global guidelines

Advisories issued by India''s ICAR for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the fisheries sector have now
become part of voluntary guidelines issued by the UN body FAO across the globe, the government said
on Thursday. The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), under the government''s agri-research
body Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has issued advisories for the domestic fisheries
sector in 12 languages. The advisories are on safety of workers in the sector and preventing the spread of
COVID-19, an official statement said.

Recognising the importance of timely advisories by India, Rome-based Food and Agricultural
Organisation (FAO) has included them as voluntary guidelines for securing sustainable small-scale
fisheries under the Asia-regional initiatives for the benefit of fisheries sector across the globe, it said.

"This is a huge acknowledgement of the efforts of the ICAR and its institutes. The global fishery sector is
expected to benefit from these efforts...," it added. While Kochi-based CIFT prepared advisories for the
benefit of fishermen, fishing boat owners, fishing harbour, fish market and seafood processing units,
Barrackpore-based Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) prepared advisories for
stakeholders involved in fishing activities in rivers, estuaries, reservoirs and wetlands.

The COVID-19 pandemic that spread all across the globe leading to lockdowns has significantly affected
the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in a multitude of ways in the country, the statement said. Besides
the disruption of fishing activities from open-water, and aquaculture in both freshwater and brackish
water systems, several associated activities like seed production, feed plant operation, supply and
market chains have been greatly impacted, it said. As a whole, the fishermen, fish workers, processors
and their communities have been facing the threat of the pandemic, which is affecting the entire value
chain and the livelihoods depending on it, it added.

Source: Outlook India

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India: Combating COVID-19: ICAR-CIFRI releases advisory for fisheries in 12 languages

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Thursday issued advisories in 10 regional languages
besides English and Hindi for the stakeholders involved in fisheries and aquaculture sectors, on how to
tackle the issues arising out of the coronavirus infection. "ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute
(ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore prepared advisories for the stakeholders involved in fishing activities in rivers,
estuaries, reservoirs, and wetlands," as per an official release. In the fisheries sector, including capture
fisheries, aquaculture, and other associated activities, ICAR issued advisories through the Fishery
Institutions, for the safety of the workers and preventing the spread of the disease.

"The Covid-19 pandemic that spread all across the globe leading to lockdown has significantly affected
the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in a multitude of ways in the country," the release read. The ICAR
through its research institutes has taken several steps to sensitize all concerned in different sub-sectors,
release further read. These advisories were popularized through print and electronic media, circulated to
State Fisheries Departments, developmental agencies, NGOs and SHGs, and also through social media.

Source: ANI News

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India: Lockdown has affected the entire value chain in fisheries & aquaculture
The Covid-19 pandemic that spread all across the globe leading to lockdown, has significantly affected
the fisheries & aquaculture sectors in a multitude of ways in the country. Besides the disruption of
fishing activities from open-water, and aquaculture in both freshwater and brackish water systems,
several associated activities like seed production, feed plant operation and supply and market chains
have been greatly impacted. As a whole, the fishermen, fish workers, processors and their communities
have been facing the threat of the pandemic, which is affecting the entire value chain and the livelihoods
depending on it.

In order to ensure safety of all stakeholders associated in the agricultural sector, the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, through its research institutes have taken several
innovative steps to sensitise all concerned in different sub-sectors.

In fisheries sector, including capture fisheries, aquaculture and other associated activities, ICAR took lead
in developing and issuing advisories through the fishery institutions, for safety of the workers and
preventing the spread of the disease. In this endeavour, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology
(ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, prepared advisories for the benefit of the fishermen, fishing boat owners, fishing
harbour, fish market and seafood processing plants in 10 different regional languages, besides English
and Hindi. ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, prepared advisories for the stakeholders involved in fishing activities
in rivers, estuaries, reservoirs and wetlands. These advisories were popularised through print &
electronic media, circulated to State Fisheries Departments, developmental agencies, NGOs and SHGs,
and also through social media. Such efforts have been received very well by the sector across the
country.

Recognising the importance of these timely advisories, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO),
Rome, has recommended these advisories prepared by ICAR-CIFT and ICAR-CIFRI by including them as
Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries under the Asia-Regional initiatives for
the benefit of fisheries sector across the globe. This is a huge acknowledgement of the efforts by the
ICAR and its institutes. The global fishery sector is expected to benefit from these efforts of the Council.

Source: FNB News

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands: All 33 Corona positive cases in the Islands test negative

With the last Corona Positive case tested negative today, Andaman & Nicobar Islands now remain with
no positive cases. This is happening for the second time in the islands that the positive cases have
recovered well. A total of 4666 samples were sent for testing till date out of which reports of 4531 have
been received and 135 remains pending. Meanwhile 260 persons still remain under quarantine as on
date.

While the recovery rate has been encouraging in the Andaman Islands, the worry now is transporting the
stranded islanders back to the islands and also shifting of islanders stuck in Port Blair city to their
respective islands. The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has been planning to schedule its ships to get
the stranded people from different parts of mainland India back to the islands. But the decision of the
administration to utilize ships to get back the stranded, has created a kind of confusion in the minds of
the people.

Political parties have been demanding for flights to be chartered, which is a convenient way to return the
islanders. The reasoning of the political parties stands valid as the islanders stranded are mostly patients,
students and those who had gone on pilgrimages. All have exhausted their finance and patience and in
this condition, the ship journey of three days seems to be an additional burden. Meanwhile confusion
also prevails on where the stranded are to be quarantined for the safety of the remaining islanders.
There are talks indicating that the administration is planning to quarantine the stranded inside the ship
itself, which if done will be an apathetic decision on the part of the authorities, most of who haven’t
experienced the long sea journey.

There are also indications that the administration is planning to quarantine the stranded islanders in the
Medical College Hostel. The inmates of the ANIIMS hostel have raised their concerns over this decision. It
is learnt that the existing students in the hostel have been asked to vacate for the purpose while the
authorities plan to break open the locked rooms. With concerns raised by the students, it would be good
on the part of the authorities to think over it again. Whatever the decision taken, it is expected that the
concerned authorities consult the elected representative, media and other stakeholders as these are the
people who know the islands and the islanders better than the policy makers.

Source: Andaman Chronicle

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Maharashtra: Coronavirus: Fishermen, labourers affected as fishing activity halts at

Mumbai's Sassoon Dock

While some Mumbaikars are missing fish on their plates, the shutdown of the biggest fish market in
Mumbai at Sassoon docks has left several unemployed. Barring two months of the Monsoon season, the
iconic market in South Mumbai's Colaba never sees a dull moment across the year. However, the place
now dons a deserted look due to the lockdown.

For close to 150 years, the Sassoon dock has been the place for fish lovers and fishermen or the Koli
community - the original inhabitants of Mumbai. Almost 1,500 trawlers operate at the Sassoon dock
bringing almost 200 tonnes of catch. The dock witnesses a turnover of over Rs 2 crores daily. It also
provides direct and indirect employment to almost one and a half lakh people. Sixty-year-old Vandana
Koli has been accompanying her parents since she was 8-year-old. For the first time, she has witnessed
such disturbing silence at the docks.

"I used to earn at least Rs 1,000 a day. But, I have never seen such silence here ever in my life. Now, we
are left to do some odd jobs like collecting dry fish," she told India Today TV. Thirty-two-year-old
Jayawant Dhanu is eagerly waiting for the activity to resume soon. "I work in a company as well as run a
fish business. Even if fishing is allowed, due to lockdown, our people will not be able to come here. Some
are even scared to come here due to the fear of the novel coronavirus. The entire activity has come to a
standstill," he said. From small fish vendors to suppliers, from loaders to cold storage owners, the
lockdown has affected the fishing industry badly.

And what is even scarier for them is the fact that at the onset of monsoons, the fishing activity will again
stop for two months. So this halt in the activity for almost 5 months is not just expected to hit the
industry but the daily wage labourers and small-time fish sellers.

Source: India Today

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Maharashtra: Environment ministry’s CRZ amendment ends debate on inland mangrove
protection in Mumbai Metropolitan Region

The Union environment ministry’s latest amendment to the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms ends
speculations by planning agencies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) that claimed artificially
created “inland mangroves” need not be protected. The notification dated May 1 was published by the
ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) on its website on Wednesday amending
the CRZ 2011 norms stating mangrove forests developed towards the landward side due to saltwater
flow from sluice gates or bunds, mainly identified as inland mangroves, need to be protected under the
coastal protection notification.

“Provided that in case there exists a bund or a sluice gate constructed in the past, prior to February 19,
1991, the high tide line (HTL) shall be restricted up to the line along the bund or sluice gate and in such a
case, area under mangroves arising due to saline water ingress beyond the bund or sluice gate shall be
classified as CRZ-IA irrespective of the extent of the area beyond the bund or sluice gate. Such areas
under mangroves shall be protected and shall not be diverted for any developmental activities,” the
notification said.

The notification could protect mangrove forests in Uran and Dronagiri where the Navi Mumbai Special
Economic Zone — an integrated industrial township — has been planned. A Bombay high court (HC)
order from September 2018 had made it clear that mangroves anywhere in Maharashtra cannot be
destroyed and the notification reiterates the declaration.

In 2015, the City Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (Cidco), the planning agency for Navi Mumbai,
had claimed that mangroves that had grown in holding ponds (for high tide water connected to sluice
gates mainly at Panje, Karanje and Koparkhairne) were not protected under the CRZ notification since
they were “inland mangroves”. Cidco had filed an application in the HC in the public interest litigation (87
of 2006) originally filed by environmentalist Debi Goenka where the claim was made.

“This notification, once and for all, settles the issue that all mangroves are protected under the CRZ
notification and that all embankments and sluice gates built without valid permissions after February 19,
1991, are illegal,” said Goenka. “Hopefully, the Panje wetlands and all the other mangroves in Navi
Mumbai will have to be protected by Cidco.”

Pramod Patil, nodal officer (environment), Cidco said, “The sluice gates in Uran were constructed
sometime during 1994-95. The case was made at the time in 2015-16 due to rapid mangrove growth that
was happening post-construction of the bunds and gates, which was causing inconvenience during
monitoring of the holding ponds under our jurisdiction. However, following the HC order from
September 2018, mangroves, irrespective of their location, are provided the highest protection status
within our jurisdiction.”

Goenka alleged that since the construction of the gates happened post the CRZ 1991 notification, they
had been illegally built. “While the sluice gates had not been properly maintained (by Cidco themselves),
the planning agency made several efforts to destroy mangrove trees within Navi Mumbai and Uran.
Pursuant to the notice of motion, the HC in 2016 had directed the MoEF to give us a hearing and had
asked the MoEF to decide on this issue. However, despite the hearing held February 29, 2016, no formal
order was passed by the ministry then,” he said. Meanwhile, the state mangrove cell welcomed
MoEFCC’s amendment. “It is a good development and gives legal protection to especially those areas
where safety measures were proposed to be reduced due to the claim that they were inland
mangroves,” said Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forest (Mangrove cell).
Why the amendment?

MoEFCC’s amended comes after the Goa government made a request to demarcate the HTL (the extent
to which coastal waters can reach the farthest on land) along embankments even if they were breached.
Independent experts said the consequences of the amendment need to be studied for all other coastal
zones to check the impact it would have on constructions planned in the future across CRZ areas.

Source: Hindustan Times

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Maharashtra: Fishermen up in arms against LED-aided fishing; call it 'destructive', 'threat to

deep sea marine life'

Irate over the government’s apathy in taking penal action against fishing vessels involved in illegal
practices like usage of light-emitting diode (LED) lights, as artificial fish attractors, the fishing community
in Uttan near Bhayandar and other coastal areas, have decided to fight a collective battle under the aegis
of Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti led by Damodar Tandel to end the menace.

Traditional fishermen have been opposing this destructive way of catching fish as usage of LED posed a
threat to deep sea marine life. Although a notification aimed at putting an end to this illegal practice was
passed in November-2019, the authorities were shying away from taking action against the offenders,
despite photographic evidences. “Just by issuing GR’s won’t solve the purpose. It is equally important for
the law enforcing agencies to set up a proper mechanism to punish the violators as they did in Karnataka
by registering criminal cases against the erring boat owners and slapping a heavy penalty. We will soon
move court against the exploitation” said, working president of the Samiti- Bernard D'mello.

In fishing using lights, fishes are attracted by holding up a light above water or suspending it below
water. Fishes are then caught using nets. Apart from cancellation of certificates and licenses, the boats
found with LED lights are also liable to seizure, in accordance to punitive provisions in the GR. The LED
fishing ban encompasses a radius of 12 nautical miles, which is the boundary of jurisdiction for state.

Source: Free Press Journal

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Karnataka: Boats from Bhatkal sent back after Gangolli fishermen raise objection

Fishermen had verbal arguments and fist fights at Gangolli fishing port of Byndoor taluk over boats that
had come from Bhatkal. Eventually, the boats that arrived from Bhatkal were sent back. Eight boats had
arrived from Bhatkal to Gangolli. Due to lockdown, arguments ensued between the fishermen of Bhatkal
and Gangolli.

Fishermen from Gangolli took exception to the presence of Bhatkal fishermen in the port as coronavirus
positive cases are more in Bhatkal. As argument and fist fights were going out of control, officials of
fisheries department went to the fishing port of Gangolli and brought the situation under control.
Gangolli fishermen urged that till the lockdown is relaxed completely, outside fishermen should not be
allowed inside Gangolli fishing port.

Giving clarification Anjanadevi, deputy director of fisheries said, "We got the information that eight boats
are arriving to Gangolli port from Bhatkal. Immediately we informed the coastal protection force. We
have come to know that around 20 fishermen of outstation districts and states were there on those
boats. We have gathered all information about them. We have sent them back along with their boats. I
will send information in this regard to all the fisheries officials of Uttara Kannada district."

Source: Daiji World

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Karnataka: CM assured to offer immediate help to stranded fishermen

Around 300 Andhra Pradesh fishermen are stranded on the coast of Malpe village in Udupi district.
“Karnataka CM has responded very positively and assured to offer the stranded fishermen immediate
help. The fishermen hail from Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. Yediyurappa has also said that their
team was also contacting Andhra Pradesh authorities to safely bring them back to their home state,”
Naidu said in a statement on Twitter. In a separate letter to Yediyurappa, Naidu lauded the tremendous
efforts that the government of Karnataka has been putting to fight COVID-19 and expressed his solidarity
with the people there in this critical time.

Naidu said that many Telugu people that have migrated to other states for work were facing various
problems due to the COVID-induced lockdown. “In this backdrop, I would like to bring to your notice that
around 300 fishing folk from Srikakulam District are stranded in Malpe Village, Udupi District, Karnataka.
Their families, relatives and well-wishers are deeply worried for their safety and well being,” Naidu said.
Those families and on his own behalf, he would appeal for sending the stranded fishermen back to their
respective homes. “In case that is not possible, I request you to provide them with shelter, food, water,
medical aid and other essential commodities until the end of COVID lockdown,” TDP chief said in a letter.

Source: The Dispatch

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Kerala: Government to reduce State’s food dependency

The State government on Thursday geared for reducing Kerala’s dependence on other regions for food
by prioritising and speeding up agriculture production. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed a
conference via video link with District Collectors and elected members of Local Self-Government
Institutions (LSGIs) to prepare 1.9 lakh hectares of fallow land for intense and precision farming in the
run up to Onam.

Officials ruled out collectivising production and said local bodies would farm fallow land with the consent
and participation of the title holders. The State would uphold their right to ownership. The conference
flagged the possibility that food-producing regions in the country could suspend exports to Kerala if
global adversities such as the COVID-19 crisis dented their agricultural production.

Food protectionism
Kerala, as a predominantly consumer State, had to break its dependency on food imports from
neighbouring States. It had to guard against possible food protectionism by large-scale producers.
However, Kerala lacked sufficient land to produce food for its population. Hence, it would harness the
latest technology to maximise agricultural production in minimal space. The State would invest Rs.3,860
crores in rearing foodgrains, fruits and vegetables. Inland and marine pisciculture, dairy farming, animal
husbandry and traditional fishing sectors would benefit from the stimulus.

Harvest season

Mr. Vijayan insisted that the harvest season for the first crop of vegetables and fruits should coincide
with Onam when consumption peaked. Households must rear vegetable gardens and breed fish in
backyard ponds. He declared the formation of agriculture clubs to channel the resourcefulness and
enterprise of youth into increasing the State’s food production and make farming an agreeable and
rewarding venture. He also promised the institutionalising of a cold chain process to store, preserve and
transport vegetables, fruits, meat, milk and poultry from farm to the table. A fleet of refrigerated trucks
would ferry the produce from farms to markets.

Mr Vijayan said the State could spare 1,40,000 hectares to cultivate edibles inter-cropped with cash
crops. Agriculture Minister V. S. Sunil Kumar, Industries Minister E. P. Jayarajan, Local Self-Government
Minister A. C. Moideen, Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty and Chief Secretary Tom Jose attended the
conference.

Source: The Hindu

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Kerala: Large fisher groups seek cancellation or partial trawl ban

Large fisher groups have written to the Centre seeking cancellation or partial lifting of the trawl ban due
for Kerala in June. They say that they have already missed more than three months of active fishing time
and hence would prefer at least one month adjustment of the period which starts for Kerala from June
15 onwards for 52 days rather than the 60-days being followed in other states.

“We have sent a representation to the Centre asking for a cancelling of the trawl ban or having it in just
July. We would like to go fishing in May and June and the state can impose trawl ban in July as monsoon
intensifies in that month, said Joseph Xavier Kalapurackel, president, all-Kerala fishing boat operators
association. He said that they have not been operating since January since year because of the low catch.
‘This was followed by the lockdown period. Last year, May was a highly profitable season for us,” he said.

Meanwhile, the fishermen unions are already up against any discussions on such a move. “The ban is a
scientific decision to ensure that the fish resource remains sustainable. It is good for the society and the
marine environment,” said Charles George, secretary, Kerala fishworkers union. The Centre had issued
an order on March 20 announcing a uniform ban on fishing for all fishing vessels in the Indian Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond territorial waters for conservation and effective management of fishery
resources and also for sea safety reasons. The ban on east coast is from April 15- June 14 (both days
inclusive) (61 days) and in west coast from June 1-July 31 (both days inclusive) (61 days). Kerala had a 52
day ban last year. The traditional non-motorized units shall be exempted from this uniform fishing ban
imposed in the Indian EEZ beyond territorial waters.
However, it is learnt that Tamil Nadu sought an advancement of the ban period from the lockdown day
March 24 and end in 61 days. This has led to other states also seeking a cutting down of the days or

doing away with the ban as the lockdown has already imposed a ban of fishing activities. According to
official sources, all states raised this issue during a teleconference with the ministry. “We have written to
the Centre and the states not to withdraw or change the trawling ban. This ban has been formulated to
help regenerate marine fisheries in the Indian waters. At the very outset, this proposition from the East
coast states is alarming. The lockdown has impacted the fishing sector uniformly and everyone along the
value chain is in distress. The tampering with the ban order will only work in the favour of the
mechanised sector which overwhelmingly accesses the EEZ,” said T Peter, general secretary, National
fishworkers union. “The use of industrial fishing gears by the mechanised sector will a negative impact on
the marine ecosystem which is already hit by the lockdown as well as poor catch,” he added.

Source: The Times of India

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Tamil Nadu and Odisha: A workshop on marine life to fund fisher families

How do octopuses and cuttlefish put their excellent camouflaging abilities to use? What is a mantis
shrimp? How important are food webs in the ocean ecosystem? How do coral reefs grow? Science
enthusiasts Arun M Viji and Adam M Libby have the answers. Class X students of Chennai school Sishya,
they are set to host Zoom sessions on Oceans and Marine Life for children aged eight to 11.

According to Arun, the hour-long sessions will teach participants about ocean ecosystems and the many
“strange and wonderful creatures” in them. “We plan to present lively videos and photos on the
subject,” says Arun, adding that they will also be inviting experts from research organisations such as the
Indian Institute of Science and World Wildlife Fund to be part of the sessions. “The idea is to keep them
interactive, so that kids develop a curiosity over the topic and the ability to engage with it,” he adds.

The registration fee for the six sessions is Rs.3,000, and the amount will go as donation towards Dakshin
Foundation. The NGO is mobilising funds to distribute essential supplies kits to 3,300 families from
fishing communities in Tamil Nadu and Odisha, that have been affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.
“When we came across the announcement, we decided to hold a fundraiser to support the cause,” says
Arun, who is also a surfer, and as a result, counts the fishing community amongst his friends and
teachers. “We thought we would raise funds through meaningful interaction and teaching,” he adds.
“Each participant will be supporting the needs of one family from the fishing community for a month.”

Source: The Hindu

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Tamil Nadu: Fishermen seek increase in diesel subsidy

After the recent hike in diesel prices, fishermen have urged the State government to increase the subsidy
given to them for purchasing diesel. Even small boats going to the sea now require around 30 litres of
diesel per trip per day, which translates into Rs.3,000 a month, and the fishermen will find it difficult, said
M.D. Dayalan, Indian Fishermen Association. “In each boat 3-5 men will go and sometimes they will get
as low as Rs.50 each a day. In such a situation coughing up an additional Rs.3000 a month would be too
much,” he added.

Nanjil Ravi of the Akhila India Meenavar Sangam said that bigger boats which get subsidy for 1,800 litres
would stand to loose much more. “For one 10-day-long trip, they require 7,000 litres, which means at
current diesel rate, boat owners would have to spend around Rs.21,000 a month," he said. The increase
in diesel price would also lead to a hike in fish prices, added Mr. Ravi. "Already fish prices are very high
due to reduction in supply," he added.

Source: The Hindu

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Odisha: Lockdown blues for fisherfolk as sale of dry fish dries up in K’para

The coronavirus outbreak has dealt a severe blow to dry fish trade in the coastal district. Preparation of
dry fish, locally called Sukhua, is one of the main sources of livelihood of around 20,000 fisherfolk in
Kendrapara. However, the lockdown has come as a curse for dry fish makers who are struggling to sell
their produce due to the restrictions. The worst hit are fishermen of the seaside villages of Kharinashi,
Batighar, Kajalapatia, Pitaspatha, Kansarabadadandua, Petachela, Jamboo and Ramanagar. “We had
prepared dry fish in bulk amount two months back hoping for a a bumper trade. Now, we are struggling
to supply it to Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and other North-Eastern states due to the
restrictions imposed on transportation,” said Samarendra Mandal, a dry fish maker of Kharinashi village.

Dry fish units have been in existence for more than five decades in the seaside villages. Every year,
fishermen prepare around 25,000 tonne of dry fish which is then supplied by traders to several states. A
revenue of around `5 crore per annum is generated from this trade. Sources said usually by this time,
traders start purchasing dry fish from fishermen. However, it has become difficult to find buyers due to
the lockdown. Besides, transportation of dry fish is also a major issue. Dry fish trader of Kendrapara
Bikram Behera said as markets remain closed since over a month, they have been left in the lurch.

A large number of fishermen eke out their livelihood by making and selling dry fish. The Government
should take steps to facilitate supply of dry fish to other states, he said. Contacted, Additional Director of
Fisheries (Marine) of Kujang Manas Ranjan Sahoo said, “We hope the dry fish traders will be able to
supply their produce to other areas after the lockdown is lifted,” he said.

Source: The New Indian Express

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