Mangaluru: The Department of Fisheries has decided to mandate the installation of bio-toilets on fishing boats to improve the crew’s living conditions on board.

The assistance for this is provided under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for the installation of Bio toilets on board fishing vessels to maintain hygiene and prevent pollution of the sea and oceans.

Bio-toilets will be installed on around 4,700 motorised boats in Karnataka’s coastal region. Bio-toilets must also be installed in new fishing boats, informed the department.

Despite their long and arduous stay at sea, the fishing crew has managed without toilets on the motorised boats for years.

Fishermen are forced to relieve themselves in open, and many may not relieve themselves for 10–14 days, resulting in health issues.

With the help of anaerobic bacteria, the bio-toilet converts septage into water and gas. It prevents septage from being discharged directly into the sea.