Insulated fishing boxes to be installed in boats

Port Blair, Aug 4 (UNI) The Fisheries Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has decided to install insulated fish boxes on board 100 engine-fitted boats to store fish in hygienic and chilled conditions.

''The entire expenditure will be borne by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry,'' Director of the Andaman Fisheries Department Dr V Krishnamurthy said.

The Andaman Fisheries department has also invited applications in this regard from licensed fishermen possessing engine-fitted boats, interested in availing the benefits.

The MPEDA recently prepared an action plan for utilising the tuna resources of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which constitutes a third of the resources of spices in the country.

Recently, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industries Jairam Ramesh, at a function in Port Blair, had released a copy of the action plan prepared by the MPEDA.

As per the plan, about 100 existing fishing vessels of the islands would be converted into tuna long liners. They would be fitted with insulated fish boxes for holding the catch, the sources added.

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