Vizag fishermen up in arms against use of `Ring Nets'; send SOS to Jagan

Ring Valala Vyatireka Ikyavedika has alleged that despite the ban, some fishermen have been using the ring net in the restricted area of the Bay of Bengal.

The newly formed organization said the ring nets have hit the livelihood of traditional fishermen. They said no action was initiated against the increasing use of Ring Nets.

Tedu Shankar of the Ikyavedika said that a ring net captures everything that it encloses. He said the ring net used by some fishermen leaves local and traditional fishermen with no catch.

Though the ban on using the ring nets was announced by the AP High Court, its use continues in parts of Vizag, alleged Shankar.

A few years ago, the number of ring nets was 42 and the fisheries department had permitted to use of only 13 ring nets.

Now, the number of ring nets in Vizag and Bheemili areas was 115. Of them, only 8 ring nets were given permission. "We have been opposing the ring nets citing that the nets will catch small fishes, leading to depletion of marine life and would hit the livelihood of traditional fishermen. The nets also harm endangered marine species," he added.

It may be recalled that the simmering discontent between traditional and ring net fishermen in Vizag turned into a full-on battle off Vizag coast in January this year. At least six fishermen were injured, six fishing boats were set ablaze and section 144 was imposed at Peda Jalaripeta in the incident.

"Though we have been appealing to the authorities of the fisheries department, district administration, and coastal security police to initiate action against those who are using ring nets on Vizag coast, the authorities have utterly failed. Since the authorities have failed to curb the ring nets menace, we will chalk out plans against the ring nets and if any law and order issue arises, the authorities will sole response," said the traditional fishermen group.