188
J. Scholtens and M. Bavinck
commenced in 1983 with the introduction of the Marine Fishing Regulation Act,
which began to curb the independence of the local trawl fl eets, including those
in the Palk Bay. The Fisheries Department’s (FD) role has since become more
substantial and complicated. Apart from implementing a range of regulations (see
Box 10.1 ) and mediating con fl icts, the FD is also in charge of welfare schemes. Its
personnel look after the implementation of a complex diesel subsidy scheme that
was launched in 2004 as a result of increasing fuel prices. Finally, the FD provides
fi shers in the Palk Bay with identity cards and daily tokens with which they can
identify themselves as genuine fi shers. This diverse package of tasks means FD
of fi cials are bookkeepers, welfare providers and policemen too. The contradictions
that emerge between the various roles weigh heavily on their shoulders (Bavinck
2001 ) . The FD faces serious constraints in carrying out its comprehensive mandate.
These constraints relate to a serious lack of fi nancial and human resources (most
of fi ces are understaffed), and to the fact that they do not have any patrol boats at
their disposal.
Central Government: Coast Guard and Navy
Trawl fi shers in the Palk Bay are also subjected to governance measures by Central
Government agencies. Security concerns have forced the Central Government to
Box 10.1 Government-Regulations Applicable to Palk Bay Trawlers
3–4 day rule: In order to solve ongoing conflicts between artisanal and trawler
fishermen, a rule that is known as the alternate night schedule dictates that
trawlers are only permitted at sea during 3 days a week with a maximum of
24 h (leaving 4*24 h to the non-mechanized sector).
Three nautical mile rule: One of the main clauses of the Tamil Nadu Fisheries
Act of 1983 directs that trawlers are not allowed to fish within the first three
nautical miles from the shore, to allow exclusive usage by non mechanized
craft.
45-day ban: In 2001 the Government of Tamil Nadu introduced an annual ban
on mechanized boat fishing, lasting from April 15th until May 29th, which
became generally known as the 45-day ban. During this period, any sea going
activity of mechanized boats is prohibited to allow regeneration of fish
stocks.
Pair trawl ban: In between 2000 and 2002 the government of Tamil Nadu
banned four types of nets through Government Orders, among which the pair
trawl net which due to its large catching capacity had created much uproar
between the trawlers and small scale crafts.
J. Scholtens and M. Bavinck
commenced in 1983 with the introduction of the Marine Fishing Regulation Act,
which began to curb the independence of the local trawl fl eets, including those
in the Palk Bay. The Fisheries Department’s (FD) role has since become more
substantial and complicated. Apart from implementing a range of regulations (see
Box 10.1 ) and mediating con fl icts, the FD is also in charge of welfare schemes. Its
personnel look after the implementation of a complex diesel subsidy scheme that
was launched in 2004 as a result of increasing fuel prices. Finally, the FD provides
fi shers in the Palk Bay with identity cards and daily tokens with which they can
identify themselves as genuine fi shers. This diverse package of tasks means FD
of fi cials are bookkeepers, welfare providers and policemen too. The contradictions
that emerge between the various roles weigh heavily on their shoulders (Bavinck
2001 ) . The FD faces serious constraints in carrying out its comprehensive mandate.
These constraints relate to a serious lack of fi nancial and human resources (most
of fi ces are understaffed), and to the fact that they do not have any patrol boats at
their disposal.
Central Government: Coast Guard and Navy
Trawl fi shers in the Palk Bay are also subjected to governance measures by Central
Government agencies. Security concerns have forced the Central Government to
Box 10.1 Government-Regulations Applicable to Palk Bay Trawlers
3–4 day rule: In order to solve ongoing conflicts between artisanal and trawler
fishermen, a rule that is known as the alternate night schedule dictates that
trawlers are only permitted at sea during 3 days a week with a maximum of
24 h (leaving 4*24 h to the non-mechanized sector).
Three nautical mile rule: One of the main clauses of the Tamil Nadu Fisheries
Act of 1983 directs that trawlers are not allowed to fish within the first three
nautical miles from the shore, to allow exclusive usage by non mechanized
craft.
45-day ban: In 2001 the Government of Tamil Nadu introduced an annual ban
on mechanized boat fishing, lasting from April 15th until May 29th, which
became generally known as the 45-day ban. During this period, any sea going
activity of mechanized boats is prohibited to allow regeneration of fish
stocks.
Pair trawl ban: In between 2000 and 2002 the government of Tamil Nadu
banned four types of nets through Government Orders, among which the pair
trawl net which due to its large catching capacity had created much uproar
between the trawlers and small scale crafts.