Purse Seine Fishing

January 25, 2023

Purse Seine is a wide and long wall of the net. The technique of purse seine fishing is used on the western and eastern coasts of India. In 2022, at the request of the Central Government, Supreme Court banned purse seine fishing. Because the net used is a big disadvantage to the endangered species in the sea. Recently, the apex court lifted the ban. This is a big relief to coastal states like Tamil Nadu. They were insisting on removing the ban as it affected the lives of fishermen.

About Purse Seine Fishing

It is considered the most efficient and also the most aggressive fishing method. When implemented at the right spot, the method gives a huge catch to the fishermen. It is most aggressive because it takes in everything in its way. The fishing boat drags the net. The fish can enter the net but cannot move out. They get stuck.

Concerns of the states

The fishermen in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu do not use sophisticated vessels for fishing. Ordinary motor-powered boats are used. The method of purse seine fishing benefits them at large because they can drag their catch to the coast. They leave the fish in the water inside the net. And drag them to the coast. So they need not carry storage or preservation equipment to bring their catch. The cost invested is very less. Ban on the method affected the livelihood of several fishermen.

Benefits of Purse Seine Fishing

The net used in this type of fishing has no sea contact with the sea bed. Therefore, it is easy to target dense schools of fish such as Mackerel and Tuna.

Why did SC ban purse seine fishing?

The net captures everything around it. This includes sea turtles and other vulnerable species. Therefore, there is a fear that the endangered species may go extinct with purse seine fishing.

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