Ramanathapuram:
Around 300 fishermen from various coastal hamlets in this district today staged a demonstration demanding action against trawlers and mechanised fishing boatmen for alleged use of banned fishing nets.
The fishermen from villages like Panaikulam, Atrangarai, Settipanai and Azhagankulam, gathered in front of the collectorate in Ramanathapuram and accused the trawlers of exploiting the wealth of the sea.
They said use of banned fishing nets caused friction between the Indian mechanished fishermen and the Sri Lankan fishermen and alleged fisheries officials colluded with the trawlers and mechanised boats and them.
Rejecting the charge, officials said all the 700 boats venturing into the sea could not be checked as they did not have sufficient manpower. But they were conducting random check and taking action against the guilty persons.
Meanwhile, fishermen of Tuticorin and Tirunelveli today boycotted fishing demanding action against illegal sand miners who were exploiting the beach for highly valuable sand.