2026-03-03 / Procedural: Question on Beach Seine (Maadal) Ban - Point of Order 2026-03-03
Hon. Chandrasekar responded to a fellow member's remarks on the beach seine fishing industry, disputing claims that the industry had collapsed and clarifying that only mechanised equipment (winches and tractors) had been halted. He criticised the previous administration for approving beach seine operations without adequate environmental assessments or NARA (National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency) reports, noting that net lengths had far exceeded the permitted 1.5-kilometre limit, reaching up to 10 kilometres, causing significant harm to over 5,000 small-scale fishermen and the marine environment. He stated that the government had consulted with affected parties six months prior and is currently in discussions, with Presidential involvement, to identify alternative methods such as the SND system or to establish regulated procedures for continuing traditional fishing practices.
Mr. Speaker, in response to what he said, I must point out—he has come today dressed in black; I do not know why. We gave him the kerosene subsidy twice. Perhaps he is angry because we did not give it the third time. However, the beach seine industry has not collapsed. They have resumed work. Only the winch and the tractor have been stopped. You yourself signed to allow this to proceed. But you did not carry out a proper study, did not obtain a proper environmental report, nor a NARA report. Without any of that, you signed. You know that the permitted length was 1.5 kilometres, but now nets of 6, 8, even 10 kilometres are being set. We have over 5,000 small boats whose livelihoods have been gravely affected, and there is serious environmental damage. Taking all that into account, we spoke with them six months ago and informed them that this would be stopped and they should find alternatives. We are in discussions with them now. The President is also involved. We will consider whether limited use of an SND or other alternative method is possible, and if so, provide the alternative. Otherwise, we will set the necessary procedures to continue the traditional industry.