Centre introduces access pass for fishing boats, Kerala government unaware of move

Thoppumpady: The Kerala government was reportedly unaware of the Centre's decision to introduce access passes for fishing boats operating in the sea. The passes were issued to all fishing vessels under the new Merchant Shipping Act, as part of measures aimed at bringing the fisheries sector under greater central oversight.

The issuance of access passes began during a special programme organised by the Fisheries Survey of India yesterday. The passes were provided to fishing vessels without any fee, with the process completed through a simplified procedure.

However, vessels operating beyond a specified limit in deep-sea waters will be required to pay charges. With the access pass system being made mandatory for all fishing boats, the Centre will have a clearer database of vessels engaged in marine fishing activities.

At present, licensing of fishing boats and the collection of user fees from deep-sea fishing vessels fall under the jurisdiction of the state government.

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The state government has authority over waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline, while areas beyond that come under the Centre's jurisdiction. This division of authority remains unchanged, but the new law is expected to give the Union government greater control over fishing vessels.

It has been alleged that no discussions were held with the state government before implementing the new regulations. Representatives of fishermen's organisations have also complained that proper consultations were not conducted with them before the move was introduced.

Boat owners have raised objections to the introduction of various fees linked to the new system.
Fishermen's body seeks government meeting

Charles George, state president of the Fishermen's United Forum, has urged the Kerala government to convene a meeting with workers' organisations to discuss issues arising from the Fisheries Survey of India issuing access passes to fishing vessels.

He alleged that the move amounted to an intrusion into the powers and rights of state governments.