Fishermen association discusses resumption of fishing in Bhatkal; meeting yields no result

Bhatkal 9 January 2019: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The Trawl boat owners' association and fishermen union of Bhatkal Taluka on Tuesday organised a meeting near Venkatapur to discuss the resumption of fishing activities in Bhatkal. After the fishermen went missing while fishing from Malpe port, lots of deep sea fishing boats of various district decided not indulge in fishing and were anchored near the ports. However, on Tuesday the Bhatkal Trawlers boats associations and fishing labors union held a meeting at Venktapur regarding resuming the deep sea fishing wherein heated discussions were exchanged between two groups of people each supporting for and against of the cause. Though the boat owners requested the fishermen association to resume their work, the labors refused to venture into the sea and said “If we venture for deep sea fishing now, what will be the use of our mass protest at Malpe. And who will take the responsibility, if we also happen to lose our route and goes missing in the sea like them” Responding to them the Trawl boat owners association said “Our protests will not go in vein as we have conveyed our message to the government through our protest. And if the boats doesn’t resumes for fishing now, most of us will remain unemployed and will not be able to earn income for our living.” However, as the labors associations didn't agree with the owners union, the meeting was later postponed and it was decided that the stakeholders shall come with an effective conclusion in the net meeting, dates of which will be decided soon. Sadanand Moger, Suresh Alvikodi, Shankar Belke, Dayanand, Kumar Moger, Gopi and others were present during the meeting. (Bhatkallys News Bureau)