The Federation of Indian Fishery Industry (FIFI) has called for a nationwide bandh on February 15 to protest against the proposed draft Bill on Marine Fisheries (Regulation and Management) Act 2009. The body is also demanding a ban on foreign fishing vessels.
“We strongly feel that the main objectives of the Bill are to curb/restrict the local fishing industry. It will not only impact the livelihood of traditional fishermen but will also encourage foreign fishing vessels,” said YGK Murty, president, FIFI.
In this regard, FIFI members of nine marine states met at Porbandar in Gujarat on January 20.