Trawling takes place near a beach in Kundapur which can adversely affect the marine ecosystem
MANGALURU: Experts, including marine conservationists, have raised concern about the rampant trawling taking place near the shore, across the Karnataka coast, that is leading to the destruction of fish breeding locations on the seabed, and severe depletion of marine stocks.
The Karnataka Marine Fishing Regulatory Act permits mechanised fishing only after six nautical miles, and fishing near the shore is restricted to only traditional crafts.
Several factors have led to a rise in fishing near the shore. Experts believe many traditional fishermen have either left their profession, or may have joined as mechanised labourers. Excess fishing and increasing demand for trash fish by fish meal units, have resulted in depleting fish catch.
MANGALURU: It was a mixed reaction in the coast for finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget which one the one hand left middle class smarting from a bouquet of cess,’ while on the other hand, people opined that given the constraints of a recession combined with the worst pandemic the FM could have done little to present a bold budget to accelerate growth and revive consumer demand.
Dr B Srinivas Kakkilaya, physician, while appreciating the allocation to healthcare sector said although it is termed as the biggest ever allocation for healthcare at Rs 224000 crore, the budget document reveals an allocation of only Rs 71269 crore compared to Rs 65012 crore spent last fiscal, with the rest meant for water and sanitation! ``With 70% Indians already infected, the additional Rs 35000 crore for Covid vaccine may not be spent. Announcement of Rs 64,180 crore for PM AtmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana for six years, hence for now, it s only an announcement,’’ he surmised.
Express News Service
BAGALKOT: Mudhol hound is becoming popular with each passing day as it is all set to be inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF) in February. Following a request from IAF officials from Uttar Pradesh, who approached Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University of Bidar seeking seven Mudhol puppies, the dogs are being bred at Canine Research and Information Centre (CRIC) of Thimmapur near Mudhol that comes under the purview of the varsity.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Dr Mahesh Akashi, head of CRIC said, “A couple of weeks ago, IAF officials wrote to us placing an order for seven puppies. However, we are providing them only four puppies this year two male and two females because of lack of availability at the breeding centre. Another three puppies will be supplied next year as per the agreement.”