Part of: Prelims and GS II – Policies and interventions
Context The Union Government is considering increasing the unit cost of deep-sea fishing vessels under the Palk Bay scheme to make it more attractive to fisherfolk.
The original unit cost of Rs. 80 lakh was “inadequate” [to meet the requirements of the fisherfolk].
About Palk Bay scheme
It was Launched by the Prime Minister in July 2017.
It is being financed by the Union and the State Governments with beneficiary participation.
It envisages the provision of 2,000 vessels in three years to the fishermen of the State to motivate them to abandon bottom trawling.
What is bottom trawling?
Bottom trawling, an ecologically destructive practice, involves trawlers dragging weighted nets along the sea-floor, causing great depletion of aquatic resources.