Kerala to facilitate deep-sea fishing as near-shore resources deplete

Government will also provide training to select fishers, says Minister

The government has indicated its intentions to permit and encourage deep-sea fishing as well as train fishers while bringing about structured control over near-sea fishing activities to attain sustainability.

Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian said at a workshop here organised by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) that the government would provide permission and training to selected fishers in deep-sea fishing.

He said fishing in near waters (within 12 nautical miles) did not yield enough fish for meeting the requirements of the State even as aquaculture needed adoption of new technology to meet the shortage of wild catch.