Shri. Innocent, Hon. M.P. Chalakudy, inaugurated the distribution of Fishing Implements to the members of Vazhachal CFR Coordination Sangham on 3.3.2018 under TSP. In a meeting held at the ST Community centre, which was presided over by Shri. B.D. Devassya, Hon. MLA, Chalakudy, the importance of Responsible Fishing was highlighted by the Hon.M.P. and he also appreciated the grass root level activities of CIFT for implementation of Responsible Fishing and also for the upliftment of tribal fishermen throughout the country. Shri. Tiju C. Thomas Associate Coordinator, WWF India, welcomed the gathering.

The Hon. MLA, B.D. Devassya alerted the tribal fishermen against the exploitation of the middlemen, which the major reason for the slow pace in the development activities.

Dr. Ravishankar, C.N., director, ICAR-CIFT urged the participants for the judicial exploitation of common resources from forest and water bodies for sustainability. He stress the need for hygienic fish handling ethics to be followed in the marketing of fishery products.

Dr. M.P. Remesan, Principal Scientist requested the Hon.MP to take necessary actions to retain the TSP and allocate sufficient fund for the ICAR institute so that the poor people get direct benefit.Dr. V.R. Madhu, Principal Scientist and Shri. Aravind S Kalanguthkar also participated in the function.

Improved and selective gillnets and accessories arranged by ICAR-CIFT intended for Responsible fishing were later distributed among the 50 members of the Vazhachal CFR Coodination Sangham.