Trawler owners’ body seeks amendment to Marine Fisheries Act

Marine White Fish Trawler Owners Association has demanded amendments to the new "Marine Fisheries Act-2020". They claimed the law is creating obstacles for fishing in the Bay of Bengal.

They said this during a press briefing held  at the Chattogram Press Club yesterday.

During the briefing, general secretary of the association Tajuddin Taju said, "Several sections and sub-sections of the new Marine Fisheries Act-2020 are creating obstacles to fishing in the Bay of Bengal. If these laws are not amended there will be huge losses in the fishing sector."

Reading out a written statement at the programme, Taju said the government has published the gazette last month after revoking the Marine Fisheries Ordinance-1983. However, due to the rigidity of the new act, trawler operators are now in a state of panic and have suspended netting fish.

He said "The law contains a provision that empowers the authorities to impose fines ranging from Tk 8 lakh to Tk 25 lakh in the event of a violation of fishing rules, without leaving any room for self-defense. The new act would create opportunities for dishonest marine fisheries officials to indulge in corrupt practices."

He alleged that the law was legislated without any prior consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Contacted, AHM Shafiquzzaman, director of Marine Fisheries Department Chattogram office, said "We are taking action against fishing trawler owners and sailors for violating various sections and sub-sections of the new law."

"Recently, they have been demanding amendment of this law. We informed the concerned department on behalf of trawler owners and sailors about their demand," he said.

"Since the law has been passed in the parliament, it is our responsibility to enforce it," he said. "Amendment or cancellation depends wholly on the government." he added.

Meanwhile, all skippers and sailors of fishing trawler under the Marine Academy Ex-Cadet Association have halted fishing in the Bay since December 5, in protest of the new law -- that was passed in parliament in November.