Sri Vijaya Puram, June 12: The Department of Fisheries has initiated the process of cancelling the registration of several mechanized and motorized fishing vessels in South Andaman after a verification exercise found discrepancies in records and the present physical status of the vessels.
According to a notification issued by the Zonal Fisheries Officer, South Andaman, a list of Mechanized Motorized (MM) Fishing Vessels proposed for cancellation has been prepared following scrutiny of available records and field assessments. The move is part of efforts to maintain an updated and accurate database of registered fishing vessels operating in the islands.
The department has made the proposed cancellation list public through multiple platforms, including the official website of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Department of Fisheries website, and notice boards displayed at the Zonal Fisheries Office in South Andaman and the Fish Landing Centre at Junglighat.
Officials said the publication of the list is intended to ensure transparency and provide vessel owners, operators and other stakeholders with an opportunity to verify the information before any final decision is taken.
The department has invited objections, claims or any relevant information concerning vessels included in the list. Individuals who believe a vessel has been wrongly included or possess supporting records regarding ownership, operation or status of the vessel have been asked to submit representations to the Zonal Fisheries Office within seven days from the date of publication.
Authorities have stressed that all representations must be accompanied by relevant documentary evidence to support the claim. The department will examine each submission before taking a final decision regarding cancellation of registration.
The verification process is understood to have been undertaken to identify vessels that may no longer be operational, have undergone changes in ownership without proper documentation, or whose records are incomplete or inconsistent with current conditions.
Maintaining an updated vessel registry is considered an important component of fisheries governance, helping authorities monitor fishing activities, implement regulatory measures and ensure compliance with maritime and fisheries regulations.
The exercise is also expected to improve the accuracy of official fisheries data, which plays a crucial role in resource management, safety monitoring and the implementation of welfare schemes for fishermen.
Officials have urged all concerned stakeholders to carefully review the published list and respond within the stipulated timeframe if they have any concerns or supporting information. The department has made it clear that representations received after the expiry of the seven-day period will not be entertained.
With the objection window now open, vessel owners and fishing community members are expected to examine the published records and engage with the verification process before the department proceeds with the next stage of action.
