Two fishermen from Kasimedu — K. Vinoth and G. Saran Raj — are concerned that fish stock is dwindling to an alarming low, due to pollution and misuse of beaches. And they are doing something about this. The youngsters were among volunteers who were involved in cleaning the Chennai shoreline following the oil spillage due to collision of two cargo vessels, which occured off the Ennore coast last January. This untoward incident gave Vinoth, Saran and their friends an impetus to form a group which will strive for conservation of marine biodiversity. They formed Association of Chennai Thiruvallur Districts Progressive Fishermen last May. The forum has 20 core members, most of them aged below 35, residing in the north Chennai — Kasimedu, Royapuram, Ennore, Tondiarpet, Vannarapettai and R. K. Nagar. Besides fishermen, the forum has members from other walks of life, including doctors and film personalities. Over the last one year, the group has conducted around 10 cleaning drives at beaches in Kasimedu, Thiruvottriyur, Ennore, Palverkadu, Thiruvanmiyur and Mamallapuram by involving the local community. During such drives, the Association tries to educate fishermen and the general public. “While venturing into sea, fishermen carry packets of snacks and other packaged food items. Plastic covers, tins and bottles are discarded in the sea. Beachgoers litter place with all kinds of trash. Large-scale industries let out effluents into the sea. In the last 15 years, we find a decline in our catch. Fish which were found in abundance in less than 20 nautical miles from Kasimedu coast could now be found only above 85 nautical miles. We need to venture far up to Nellore, Vishakapatnam and if required to Andaman to catch tuna, seer, shrimp, pomfrat grouper, barracuda and others. We get 95 kg of non-degradable trash and only five kg fish for a single casting of net in less than 20 nautical miles,” says 30-year old Saran Raj, who has done his graduation in mechanical engineering. The forum is planning for a new initiative which will be launched when the 61-day annual fishing-ban period ends in June. “We want to have a system in place whereby fishermen will be paid for handing over non-biodegradable trash collected from sea. The collected trash will be recycled. The idea is yet to assume a proper shape,” he adds. In commemoration of its one year completion, the Association is organising a boat race on May 27 at Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar. Time: 8 a.m. Around 110 fishermen from coastal hamlets between Palaverkkadu and Marakkanam will be taking part in the race. Saran makes it quite clear that this Association is not a non-governmental organisation and it does not expect funds. “Our Association is a people's movement. We want the common man to extend support to this cause by volunteering in our campaigns,” says Saran. Those interested in volunteering for this cause may call G. Saran Raj at 99622 52236.

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