Srinagar, Aug 17: Chief Project Officer (CPO) of the Fisheries Department Dr Nahida Akhter on Monday said that gill nets are illegal in Kashmir and strict action will be taken against those involved in their use.
Akhter said the use of gill nets poses a threat to fish production as the nets trap juvenile and smaller fish, affecting the sustainability of fisheries as well as the livelihood of professional fishermen.
“Gill nets are illegal. They trap small and juvenile fish, which automatically affects fish production and directly impacts the employment of fishermen,” she said.
Explaining the difference between permitted and illegal fishing practices, Akhter said professional fishermen generally use cast nets, which allow them to target marketable fish, while gill nets with smaller mesh sizes can indiscriminately trap smaller fish.
“We are trying to stop illegal fishing. Our staff works in the field day and night. Whenever we receive information about illegal fishing, our teams immediately move to the spot and take action,” she said.
The department has seized around 4,000 gill nets since the end of March, Akhter said, adding that about 150 such nets had been seized so far this year.
She said the number of illegal nets being used appeared to be declining as awareness among people increased.
The department also undertakes annual stocking of fish seed to support the fishing community and improve catches, she said.
Akhter said the Fisheries Department issues different categories of licences, including rod licences for recreational or sport fishing and professional fishing licences for registered fishermen who depend on fishing for their livelihood.
She said line fishing involving multiple hooks is also prohibited and violators can be fined.
On enforcement in Dal Lake, Akhter acknowledged that the department faces staff shortages despite the need for round-the-clock monitoring.
“Dal Lake is a very large area. We need at least 20 to 25 employees to cater to it, but there is a shortage of staff,” she said.
According to her, the available personnel work in rotations and remain alert to complaints of illegal fishing. Teams equipped with motorboats are deployed to reach reported locations as quickly as possible.
Akhter also said the department had issued more than 1,870 licences up to March last year and had already issued over 500 licences so far this year as part of its routine licensing process.
The department is also targeting a 10 per cent increase in revenue from registered fishermen compared with last year, she said, adding that the number of licence holders was also increasing—(KNO)
