: The fifth state-level conference for Fishermen's livelihood here today urged the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre to set up a separate ministry for the Fisheries related issues as the industry played a major role in earning foreign exchange and food production.
Now fishing industry has overtaken the farm sector and overnment was duty bound to improve Marine wealth of the country by focussing on it,a resolution said.
The fishermen, who depend on netting fish, led a life similar to that of tribals in many ways. Hence they should be declared as 'tribals of the sea,' it said.
They sought a representation for the fishermen in the legislature to express the grievance of the 10 lakh fishermen living along the Indian coastline. Families of fishermen who had lost their bread winner should be provided compensation and justice, it said.
Fishermen from Nagapattinam, Tuticorin,Ramanathapuram, Jagadapattinam,and Pudukottai participated in the conference.
