Team Herald

NERUL: A number of traditional fishermen from Nerul have complained of bull-trawling, which they claimed, was affecting their business.

The complaint was made at the Blue Revolution Scheme Awareness camp held at the Nerul Panchayat, recently. 

There are over ten schemes under the Blue Revolution, being implemented to achieve economic prosperity of fishermen and fish farmers in a sustainable manner, keeping in view the bio-security and eco concerns.

Director of Fisheries Vinesh Arlekar told the fishermen that the camp was organised to make them aware of the schemes of the State and Central governments. He also urged them to meet him in his office if they intended to put forward other issues related to fishing activities.

 “This is a good initiative towards promoting this scheme for the welfare and progress of the fishing community. I will direct my patrolling team to keep a close watch on bull-trawling activities in this area,” Vinesh said.

Ports Minister Jayesh Salgaokar assured the traditional fisherman that he would to look into the bull-trawling activity. He also spoke on benefits the traditional fisherman should avail from the Blue Revolution Scheme.

“We will try to provide the traditional fisherman with all the benefits listed in the scheme. Under this scheme, they can get an auto rickshaw to carry fish, motorization of traditional craft, motorcycles with ice box, safety kit for fishermen at sea, mobile fish retail outlet and other facilities. There are three fishing co-operative societies in Nerul but none of them have availed of this scheme,” Jayesh pointed out.