Fishermen are seeking to withdraw the nod for large fishing vessels off the Kerala coast

The state camp of the All India Fishermen’s Federation (AITUC) has demanded that the Union government withdraw its decision to allow large fishing vessels to operate off the Kerala coast. They warned that the move would endanger marine resources and threaten the livelihood of traditional fishermen.

In the resolution, the federation said that India requires only about one million fishing vessels in its regulated fishing zone, but more than three million vessels are already operational. They added that allowing large fishing vessels with substantial government subsidies would hasten the depletion of fish stocks and put Kerala’s fishing fleet in crisis.

The federation also demanded setting up of a Vembanad Lake Conservation Authority, withdrawal of the proposed port city project and abandonment of the proposed seaplane project in fishing areas. They alleged that the Port City project was targeting coastal mining and displacement and demanded measures to prevent recurring fishing accidents and deaths in Muthalapozhi and ensure the safety of fishermen.

Inaugurating the valedictory session, AITUC state general secretary KP Rajendran criticized the state government for assigning English titles to coastal development programs in the state budget despite the budget being presented in Malayalam.

AITUC National General Secretary R. Prasad presided over the study session. State President TJ Angelos presided. CPI(M) state executive committee member CN Chandran, federation general secretary T. Raghuvaran, CPI district executive committee member P. Ajayakumar and others addressed the rally. Senior leaders of AITUC, CPI, Kerala Pravasi Sangham, Kerala Mahila Sangham and affiliated organizations also participated.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 23:26 IST