The country boat fishermen of six districts, including Ramanathapuram and Thanjavur, today observed a fast at Manalmelkudi to protest the use of "banned fishing nets" by mechanised boat owners destroying the marine wealth.
Country boat fishermen's association President, Govindan, presided over the token fast and said the fisheries department officials should take action against mechanised fishing boat owners who used banned fishing nets.
He urged the officials to prevent mechanised boat, fitted with 120 HP engines in the Palk Strait, as it disturbed the marine life and caused damage to the environment.