Call to revoke licences of 77 vessels

KOCHI: The Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi Samithi (TUCI) has urged the Centre to revoke the licences of the 77 new fishing vessels which have been permitted to ply along the waters since March. These vessels had been given permits to engage in fishing upto 12 nautical miles, off the Indian shores.“The Centre has issued licences to 77 more boats. There are already 75 similar boats plying in the waters. This step has endangered the opportunities of the poor fishing community,” the release stated.In 2009, the Centre had given permits to 75 similar vessels. This has led to a heightened competition, which in turn has affected the fishing community, the fishermen said.