Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 20 August 2025
Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have urged the Fisheries Department to take urgent measures to safeguard the livelihood of traditional fishermen in Middle Andaman.
On August 19, 2025, D. Ayyappan, Secretary of the CPI(M) A&N State Organising Committee, along with P.K. Khalid, State Secretariat Member, met the Joint Director of Fisheries to highlight the challenges faced by local fishermen.
The CPI(M) delegation pointed out that fishing boats equipped with engines of more than 30 HP have been operating within 6 nautical miles from the baseline in Middle Andaman — a practice prohibited under Rule 5 of the Andaman & Nicobar Marine Fishing Rules, 2004. They stressed that this violation has severely impacted traditional and non-mechanised fishermen, who are struggling to compete with powerful mechanised vessels for catch, thereby threatening their livelihood.
The leaders appealed to the Fisheries Department to enforce regulations and ensure protection for traditional fishermen. Responding to their concerns, the Joint Director assured that immediate and appropriate action will be taken in the matter.
