Karwar: Members of the Karwar Trawler Boat Union demanded to stop light fishing in the area and laid siege to the port at Baithakhol on March 14. They said that if the unscientific fishing is not stopped immediately, the protests would intensify.

According to the fishermen, the stock of fish is depleting because mechanized boats engage in illegal light fishing in the night hours.Small-scale and traditional fishermen are suffering due to poor catch, they alleged.

Responding to the protesters, the Deputy Director of Fisheries Department Santhosh Hadapad said that the department has made efforts to stop light fishing in Bhatkal and Kumta areas and has penalised many. He assured the protesters that the officials would cancel the Registration Certificate of the boat who fish illegally.