Trawler’s Activities Also Poses Threat to the State Animal ‘Dugong’

Shaheed Dweep, April 30: A fishing trawler has been found illegally fishing in the shallow waters of Shaheed Dweep, at a spot where there have been regular sightings of Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ state animal ‘Dugong’.

The trawler named ‘Sea Bird 1’ has been noticed in the same spot since past couple of days, continuing the fishing activities in spite of the A&N Administration’s advice to the fishing community of A&N Islands to comply with A&N Marine Fishing Rules.

Recently, in a press communication, the Fisheries Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration had made it clear that fishing activities will be closed in the A&N Waters from April 15, 2024 – May 31, 2024. The release mentioned, “In accordance with A&N Marine Fishing Rules 2004 (Amendment-2019) the period commencing from 15th day of April to 31st day of May-2024 (inclusive of the day of commencement and day of expiry) shall be closed season for Fishing Vessels plying bottom trawling gear and for Shark Fishing in A & N Waters. The fishermen have been advised to strictly comply with the above close season for bottom trawling gear and for Shark Fishing in A&N Waters”.

The illegal activity of the fishing trawler has also been reported to the concerned authorities, but no stern action has come from the authorities so far.

The incident of illegal fishing by the fishing trawler ‘Sea Bird 1’ is not only a violation of A&N Marine Fishing Rules but also a serious threat to the Dugongs, as the spot is known to be the grazing ground for the state animal and the responsibility of protecting the mammal lies with the A&N Forest Department.  

It can be hoped that the concerned authorities make a serious note of the incident and ensure that such illegal activities are stopped immediately.