National Fishworkers Forum Holds General Body Meeting, Opposes New Port Projects
Alibag, Maharashtra, February 16, 2025 – The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) concluded its three-day general body meeting at Alibag, Maharashtra. Hosted by the Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti (MMKS), the meeting was attended by representatives from nine coastal states.
During the session, Olencio Simoes was re-elected as the General Secretary for a second term, while Ramkrishna Tandel took over as the new Chairperson. Other key appointments included Jackson Pollayll as Treasurer, K. Allaya, Usmangani Shrerasiya, and Sesadamai as Vice-Chairpersons, and K. Lakshmi as Joint Secretary.
Ports Development: A Threat to Fishworkers
One of the primary concerns raised during the meeting was the rapid expansion of port infrastructure in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. NFF General Secretary Olencio Simoes highlighted that these projects could lead to the displacement of small-scale fishworkers. “The construction of new ports is a direct threat to the livelihoods of coastal communities,” he stated.
Demand for Strict Implementation of Trawling Bans
NFF-affiliated unions from nine coastal states have demanded strict enforcement of the ban on LED fishing, bull trawling, and pair trawling. These destructive fishing practices have long been a point of contention, as they deplete marine resources and threaten the survival of traditional fishers.
Shift from Capture to Culture Fisheries: A Growing Concern
Simoes also criticized the Union Government’s shift in focus from capture fisheries to culture fisheries over the past five budget cycles. He warned that this policy change could displace nearly two crore fishers. “Marine fishers play a crucial role in ensuring food security for the nation, contributing almost four million tonnes of fish annually in a cheap and sustainable manner,” he added.
Protest Against Vadhavan Port
To oppose the proposed ₹76,200 crore all-weather deep-water port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, NFF and MMKS launched a mega rally at Navegaon Ground, Alibag. The project, expected to displace nearly 10 lakh fishworkers, has sparked strong resistance from coastal communities.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of India’s fishing communities and vowed to intensify its protests against policies that threaten their survival.
