TN Hikes Daily Aid for Missing Fishermen to Rs 600, Announces Boat Relief

Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister A. Srinath on Wednesday announced in the state Assembly in Chennai that daily financial assistance for families of fishermen who go missing while fishing has been increased from Rs. 350 to Rs. 600. The minister also declared a major financial relief package for fishermen whose vessels have been seized by the Sri Lankan navy.

Under the revised measures, the state government will provide financial relief of Rs. 8 lakh for each motorised boat seized by the Sri Lankan navy. In addition, the government will extend Rs. 2 lakh in relief for each country boat that has been seized.

Replying to the debate on the demand for grants to his ministry in the Assembly, Srinath stated that the daily financial aid would be provided to eligible families for up to two years, or until they secure relief through the group accident insurance scheme.

To improve marine life and boost catch volumes, Srinath announced the installation of artificial reefs at 50 locations, which will serve as habitats for sea life. He added that sea ranching activities would be expanded along the sea coasts of Chennai and Kanyakumari districts.

For inland fisheries, stunted fingerlings will be produced at the Krishnagiri fish farm and scattered across inland water bodies to increase overall fish production. A dedicated policy will also be formulated for raising fish and other aquatic life to introduce modern technology into the sector while protecting the environment.

Srinath said fish resources will be scientifically mapped to identify suitable sea areas and designate separate fishing zones. The state will encourage both public and private investment to build fish farms, fish fodder manufacturing units, and fisheries infrastructure, while extending government subsidies for open sea cage culture at 80 coastal locations.