Kerala Fishermen's Union Demands Withdrawal of Permit for Large Fishing Vessels

The Kerala state unit of the All India Fishermen's Federation (AITUC) has demanded that the Union government revoke its decision to allow large fishing vessels to operate off the Kerala coast. The federation warned that the move would deplete marine resources and endanger the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.

In a resolution adopted during its state conference, the federation stated that India requires only about one lakh fishing vessels within its regulated fishing zone, but over three lakh vessels are already operating. It argued that permitting large fishing vessels, which benefit from substantial government subsidies, would accelerate the depletion of fish stocks and push Kerala's fishing fleet into crisis.

The federation also called for the constitution of the Vembanad Lake Protection Authority, the withdrawal of the proposed Port City Project, and the abandonment of the proposed seaplane project in fishing zones. It alleged that the Port City Project aims at coastal mining and displacement, and demanded measures to prevent recurring fishing accidents and deaths at Muthalapozhi, ensuring the safety of fishermen.

Speaking at the valedictory session, AITUC state general secretary K.P. Rajendran criticised the state government for assigning English titles to coastal development schemes in the state budget, despite the budget being presented in Malayalam.

AITUC national general secretary R. Prasad led the study session. State president T.J. Angelos presided. CPI(M) state executive member C.N. Chandran, federation general secretary T. Raghuvaran, CPI district executive member P. Ajayakumar, and others addressed the gathering. Senior leaders of AITUC, the CPI, the Kerala Pravasi Sangham, the Kerala Mahila Sangham, and affiliated organisations also attended.