Automated Translation:
Purse seine net holders seek trawler licenses

Fishermen appeal to to Department of Fisheries for change of status due to ban

Mirya (Ratnagiri), 19th: Since the possibility of getting additional funds for fishing is slim, purse seine net owners have started to move towards trawler fishing. While fishing boats are being modified for this purpose, applications to the Department of Fisheries are being made for permit changes. Meanwhile, purse seine net owners have begun applying to the Department of Fisheries for gillnet fishing.

The state government has been cracking down on purse seine net fishing, which has brought financial woes to this region. Fishermen have been stuck with repaying loan instalments and salaries of sailors. Only two and a half months (70 days) are left for fishing. Therefore, purse seine net owners have started gearing up for trawler fishing. Since existing fishing permits need to be changed for trawler fishing, purse seine net owners have begun submitting applications for the same to the Department of Fisheries.

Trawler licenses will be issued to purse seine net owners only after verifying documents such as the boat owner’s proposal, photos of modifications made to the fishing boat, Licensing officer's report etc. said Nagnath Bhosale, Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries.

2 lakhs for modification of the boat

Purse seine net owners will have to spend two lakhs to change the yacht. This will be the expenditure for Dali nets, winches, metal pillars etc. Since there is adequate fishing yield from trawlers, the fisherman anticipate that this cost will be recovered by May. Fishermen also said that this capital can be used for the next fishing season.