July 31, 2025

In Kozhikode, small-scale fishing boat operators are preparing to protest against the Fisheries department's revised licence fee, which they claim has unfairly doubled, increasing their financial burden. These fishermen, who operate mainly within 10 nautical miles, have had their fees raised from ₹2,700 to ₹26,700, a change they find unscientific. P. Ashraf, a representative of the Mini-Boat Owners and Workers Welfare Association, expresses concerns over this fee, arguing that the government's awareness of their declining daily income, due to adverse weather and poor catch, has not translated into effective action. He highlights that they are struggling to maintain their livelihoods against mounting fees and added fines for late payments, which he describes as cruel. The association has submitted a mass petition to highlight the severe impact of these unreasonable fees on small-scale fishers. They are now waiting for a response from the Fisheries department. In defense, sources from the department state that the unified fee was implemented to discourage the construction of larger boats, a policy aimed at regulating fishing size along the coast. This regulation, according to them, cannot be independently revoked. The fishermen continue to advocate for a fairer system that takes into account the size and engine capacity of their boats, arguing that a realistic fee structure is crucial for their survival. As they await further dialogue, the looming protest serves as a significant statement against governmental policies affecting the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.

Read More at Thehindu →

Tags: Fishing, Licence fee, Small-scale fishing, Kozhikode, Protest,