AP, TN ban fishing along shore

Hyderabad, Dec 5 (UNI) In the wake of disputes arising over marine fishing, the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Governments today decided not to allow mechanised fishing vessels eight km from the shore under any circumstance from both sides.

Briefing newspersons after the 'inter-state coordination meeting over marine fishing' between the two state governments here, Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister M Budda Prasad said the meeting adopted a resolution that the two states would not allow mechanised vessels from both sides in the fishing zone beyond eight km up to territorial waters zone without license for fishing.

Fishing would also not be permitted during the ban period of the respective states by vessels of either State, he said.

Mr Prasad said the two States have also decided to take up joint survey under the aegis of the Survey of India in respect of boundary lines across Pulicat lake to differentiate the waters of the states.

He said a Committee, consisting of Revenue Divisional Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Assistant Director of Fisheries of Gudur division of Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, would be constituted, which would meet once in a quarter to sort out issues pertaining to Pulicat lake.

If there was any difference, the matter should be brought to the notice of the fisheries authorities, he added.

Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister K P P Samy said the two governments would frame guidelines within 15 days to issue licenses for marine fishing.

He said the Tamil Nadu Government wanted to solve the fishing disputes along the shore and Pulicat lake issue in a cordial atmosphere.

UNI