Kollam, Wednesday 29 September 2010: Fish workers across the country are gearing up to launch strong agitations demanding the withdrawal of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2010 issued recently by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Kerala Swathantra Matsyathozhilali Federation State president T. Peter has said.

Peter said the decision in this connection was taken at a meeting of the National Fish workers’ Forum (NFF) in Chennai on September 25 and 26. October 29 will be a ‘protest day.’ There will be mass conventions on World Fishermen Day on November 21. On October 1,5 the NFF will submit petitions and suggestions about the notification to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and leaders of other political parties.

Prior to issuing the notification, ten consultations were held across the country to obtain the views of the fishing community and other communities living along the coast. But the notifications do not reflect the opinions expressed, Peter said.

The notification seemed to totally ignore the long-standing demand of fishing communities for their ‘right to live along the coast.’ According to the notification, 12 nautical miles of sea will come under the MoEF and not the Union Ministry for Agriculture. This will prove harmful to the fishing community. The notification neither protects the fishing community nor the coastal environment, he said.

Peter called for an increase in the kerosene quota to fishermen. Under the present quota, fishermen end up paying more for fuel than what they earn from fishing. In order to protect the traditional fishing sector more kerosene at fair price should be allocated.

He suggested the setting up of kerosene bunks under government control.