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Indian Fishworkers: Hope sinks as rights shrink India has a coastline of more than 8,000 kms, with around 3,937 marine fishing villages. The Marine Fishing Policy of Government of India, 2004, states that 1 million people are engaged directly in marine fishing and another 0.8 million engaged in post-harvesting operations. The fish and marine biodiversity of the country encompasses a wide spectrum of components that support the livelihoods of millions of people. Fishery resources are set in different ecosystems.
The work schedule for fisherfolk is often irregular as it is mainly dependent upon the weather. Those in commercial fishing may require long trips where they have to stay away from their home port for several weeks or even months.
Impact of lockdown
After the national COVID-19 lockdown was announced in March 2020, many migrant fishworkers were stuck on their boats. They usually work as crew in According to a report by National mechanized fleets or engage in allied Fisheries Development Board, in India, activities like fish processing, netfisheries and aquaculture is an important mending, or boat repairing. sector providing nutritional security and livelihood support in terms of gainful After two fishworkers died off the employment to more than 14 million coast of Gujarat, the remaining workers people of the country. During the year were finally sent back home to Andhra 2017-18, the total production of fish in Pradesh, by bus. Prolonged stay on the country is estimated to have been the boats and subsequent exposure to 12.60 million metric tons.1 mosquito bites, lack of adequate sleep,
HUMAN RIGHTS IN INDIA - Status Report 2021 by IAMC
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