Vizhinjam: The fishing activities were resumed at the port here on Tuesday after several weeks following talks held between officials of Matsyafed and Fisheries Department with the Church and Jama-at office-bearers.
According to the agreement reached at the discussion, all the catch would be purchased and sold by Fisheries Department and Matsyafed without conducting auction till the lockdown is lifted. Another clause of the agreement is that the fish would be sold according to the price fixed by Matsyafed and the amount would be valid for 24 hours. The cost of the entire catch is to be paid to the fish worker on the spot. A token system has been introduced to buy fish and preference is given to women fish sellers.
Everyone at the fish landing centre have to follow the instructions of Fisheries Department, Matsyafed and volunteers. Photography and videography are to be avoided at the fish selling area.
Fishing had not taken place at Vizhinjam for several days after complaints were raised by the fish workers and traders over the conditions imposed by the Matsyafed during lockdown.
Those who took part in the discussions included Fisheries Joint Directors Sreekandan and Ignatius Munroe; Joint Director Beena Sukumaran; Matsayfed project officer Mithun; Executive Engineer in Harbour Engineering Department G S Anil Kumar; church vicar Fr. Justin Judin; secretary Benance Lopez; Jama’at president N Noohu Kannu; secretary A A Nizam and representatives of fish workers’ and traders’ unions.
