Rare Species in The Sea Will Be Protected by Taring Fishing Nets
Compensation Amount Rs 25000 For the Fishing Net Loss
Mumbai, Dt 26
The Forest Minister- Mr Sudhir Mungantiwar has recently informed about the Government’s decision to protect and conserve the rare species of fishes and other fauna found in the sea. According to this decision, it has been finalised that if any of these rare and protected species get trapped in the fishing net, the net will be torn or cut off and these species will be released back in the water. If a fisherman’s net suffers any losses during this procedure, a compensation of Rs 25,000 will be made to the fisherman for this loss, on behalf of the Government.
Various sea species such as turtles, dolphins, sharks and other rare or endangered fauna have been protected under the ‘Wildlife Protection Act’ of 1972. Many-a-times, these endangered species get trapped inside the fishing net. When fishermen try to release them, it results into consequent losses to the fishing net, deteriorating its quality. Due to this, a few fishermen these days avoid releasing these species back into the sea. This decision has been made in order to conserve and protect rare sea species, and while doing so, cover any losses suffered by the fishermen. Forest Minister Mr Sudhir Mungantiwar further said that this compensation will be provided through Chief Forest Guard, Kandalvan Division and therefore, terms and conditions of the Kandalvan division will be applicable for it.
While applying for this grant, fishermen are supposed to provide all the necessary information including- the boat owner’s name, the grant application with complete address, the boat’s name and number, fishing license of the said fisherman, the boat’s registration certificate, names of all members present on the boat and their required documents, the GPS numbers of places where rare species have been trapped, photographs and video clips of the fishing net tearing procedure conducted to release the said rare species in the sea.
Training on The Protection of Rare Species
Forest Minister Mr Sudhir Mungantiwar further said that a training programme has been organised by the Forest Department’s Kandalvan Division at the level of Assistant Commissioner- Fisheries with a view to raising awareness on the protection of rare species in the sea. This initiative has been undertaken to provide training on the protection of rare sea species at various Fisherman Co-operative Societies every two months. Its cost will be incurred by the Kandalvan Division. Mr Mungantiwar also informed that this initiative has been collaboratively started by the Fisheries Department and the Kandalvan Division of the Forest Department. The main intent behind this initiative is that of driving awareness on the conservation of the rare sea species. The relevant Government order has been issued by the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Departments. Get more informnation – http://sudhirmungantiwar.blogspot.com