The situation has sparked heated debates, with some stakeholders questioning the need for a unified licence fee in nearshore waters, where operational areas are limited. One of the main concerns is the financial burden imposed on small-scale boat operators, who are already struggling to make ends meet. According to sources in the Fisheries department, the unified licence fee was introduced to discourage the practice of building larger boats in the name of supporting traditional fishermen. • A unified licence fee is in place for small-scale fishing operators in Kerala, which has doubled the financial burden of traditional fishermen who operate in nearshore waters. • The fee has been stuck at ₹26,250 for traditional fishermen operating within 10 nautical miles, apart from other charges for welfare funds and fishing accessories. • The increase in licence fee has been criticized for its adverse impact on the livelihood of small-scale fishers, who are already struggling with declining daily incomes due to adverse weather conditions and poor catches.

“One unified licence fee is hardly justifiable, especially for small-scale boat operators whose daily income is steadily on the decline, thanks to adverse weather conditions and poor catch. The government is aware of the situation, but it has failed to come up with concrete action,” says P. Ashraf, a member of Mini-Boat Owners and Workers Welfare Association.

A crucial issue

The high licence fee has been a pressing concern for the small-scale fishing community for over five years, with the demand pending before the authorities. The situation is further complicated by the fact that enforcement squads are mainly targeting small-scale boat operators, leading to widespread resentment and protests.

1. The Fisheries department says the unified licence fee was introduced to regulate the size of fishing boats operating near the Kerala coast.
2. The fee increase has been criticized for being a “cruelty” on the ailing segment of small-scale fishers.
3. The operational area of small-scale traditional fishers comes within 10 nautical miles, but they are now forced to pay ₹26,250 as licence fee, apart from other charges.

P. Ashraf, a member of the association, emphasizes that a unified licence fee is not justifiable, especially for small-scale boat operators whose daily income is steadily declining. He also points out that the government is aware of the situation, but has failed to come up with concrete action. “We need to fix the licence fee according to the size and engine capacity of the boats. Earlier, the fee for small fishing boats was only ₹2,700, which was hiked to ₹26,700 in an unscientific manner,” says Suresh Kavil, a small fishing boat owner from Moodadi. Enforcement squads targeted

The association functionaries claim that enforcement squads are mainly targeting small-scale boat operators, which is leading to widespread resentment and protests. The situation is further complicated by the fact that even minor alteration of boats is being projected as a commercial venture, to impose fines.

Mass petition submitted

Despite the protests, association leaders are waiting for a final reply from the Fisheries department. A mass petition explaining the impact of the “unreasonable licence fee” on small-scale fishers has already been submitted to officials.

“We are waiting for a final reply from the Fisheries department. Our demand is to fix the licence fee according to the size and engine capacity of the boats,” says P. Ashraf.

The unified licence fee has been a contentious issue in Kerala, with some stakeholders questioning its need and the impact it has on the small-scale fishing community. The situation highlights the need for a nuanced approach to regulate the fishing industry while ensuring the livelihood of small-scale fishermen.

Conclusion

The high licence fee imposed on small-scale fishing operators in Kerala has sparked widespread protests, with association leaders demanding a rollback of the revised licence fee. The situation highlights the need for a more sympathetic approach towards the plight of small-scale fishermen, who are struggling to make ends meet due to adverse weather conditions and poor catches. Ultimately, a more nuanced approach is required to balance the need for regulation with the livelihood of small-scale fishermen.