The government has decided to extend the time given for renewal of licences of fishing boats to March 2012, following a meeting between Minister for Fisheries and Ports K. Babu and representatives of boat owners.
A decision was also taken to strengthen the marine enforcement wing to check fishing using explosives by fibre boats from other States. The Home Department would be asked for support of the police and Coast Guard in this regard.
Referring to their demand that the dredging of fishing harbours should be improved, the Minister informed them that tenders had been invited for buying a new dredger at a cost of Rs. 10 crore.
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Dredging Today Staff, December 23, 2011;