Fishnet centre helps fishers earn a few extra bucks

Chennai: The state's first ever discarded fishnet collection centre, set up by the govt in Kasimedu, has helped fishers from in and around the area contribute towards curbing pollution, and earn a few extra bucks besides contributing to coastal protection efforts.Fishing nets discarded in oceans cause marine pollution, as they can break into microplastics and contaminate food chains. They also pose a risk to marine life and damage coral reefs. "To combat the issue, the govt launched this centre in 2024, asking fishermen to sell the nets to us at a nominal rate. The nets are then recycled into pellets/granules, which are then used in the manufacture of a variety of items, including cars," said Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary to govt, environment, climate change and forests department.
Officials from the TNPCB said more than 40 tonnes of discarded nets were collected from Aug 17, 2024, until Jan this year. On an average, a traditional nylon fishing net may cost around 1,200 a kg. Most fishermen carry up to 20 kg of nylon nets with them on trawlers. The fishermen are paid about 40 a kg of the worn-out or old fishnet they stumble upon at sea."While, monetarily, we may not get much, the initiative helps fishermen be a part of conservation. I witnessed first-hand the deaths of several marine mammals at sea after getting entangled in nets. The only concern is that the centre is in north Chennai. We have asked govt to set up a similar centre for fishermen in the south, in Mylapore. The process is underway," said K Bharathi, president of the south Indian fishermen association.