After putting off the annual physical verification of motorised and non-motorised fishing boats in Tiruvallur and Chennai districts twice, the Fisheries department has now fixed June 10 as the date for the census. The verification of mechanised fishing boats was completed on May 15, and the total number was identified as 795.
According to official sources in the department, the new date was fixed on the suggestion of fishermen. “They chose the day as it is a full moon day, and they will not go to the sea as fish will choose to remain under the water if there is light.” On why the census was put off twice, officials said they were busy with some other work on those days and fishermen had been informed about the same.
Permanent date
During physical verification, registration numbers, insurance, license, equipment including –transponders and VHF radios – would be checked. A photo of the owner of the craft would be clicked along with the boat. Even unregistered and under-construction and repair craft would be counted. Only boats that are registered and have all the papers would get diesel subsidy.
Meanwhile, a section of fishermen has urged the State government to fix a permanent date for the census, which is held during the 61-day-long fishing ban on the east coast. “When the date keeps shifting fishermen are unnecessarily put to hardship. Like the ban, the census should also be conducted on a fixed date,” said Nanjil Ravi, community leader.
Published – June 06, 2025 12:02 am IST
