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Ch.R.S. Sarma

VISAKHAPATNAM, April 11

THE demonstration project to promote tuna fishing, undertaken jointly by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Association of Indian Fishery Industry (AIFI), has suffered a setback and the two vessels upgraded, at a cost of Rs 1.10 crore, for the purpose are now back in the fishing harbour here. The project has been suspended.

In order to promote species diversification and reduce the overdependence on shrimp for export purposes, the MPEDA and the AIFI launched the project in August 2002.

Two vessels were upgraded at a cost of Rs 1.10 crore, half of it subsidised by the MPEDA, for tuna fishing.

Tuna is a much-relished species and in the highly lucrative global market, India's share is virtually nothing and even smaller countries such as the Maldives are ahead of India in exploiting their tuna resources.

The project was launched last year with the mono-filament longlining technology, suitable for tuna fishing.

However, the project did not go according to the plan.

Initially, the vessels operated off the coast of Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Chennai, Rameswaram and Kochi and, later, ventured into the deeper seas.

However, the sources said that due to the poor quality and high cost of bait, the desired results could not be achieved.

Inadequate infrastructure at the harbours also added to their woes.

Industry sources said the infrastructure at the harbours would have to be improved for handling tuna fish and a fleet of at least 20 to 25 vessels would have to be upgraded for locating and exploiting tuna which move in shoals.

Sources said the industry was also negotiating with the administration of Andaman and Nicobar islands to make it the base for tuna fishing.

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