Against foregin Vessels. . . .

The Federation and NFF organised the agitation protesting the Central Government's granting of permission to Foreign Trawlers to fish in Indian waters. Thousands of fish workers marched in Ernakulam and Trivandrum. The National Fisheries Bandh in this regard kept the fishery in a standstill. In Kerala, the Kochin harbour was blocked. There were a series of strikes by fish workers all over Kerala. The Strike was successful at the National level also. The Central Government responded to this by appointing the Murari Commission to study the issue. The revoking of the licences issued to foreign fishing vessels was one among the 21 recommendations of this Commission. The Government did not implement these recommendations. Therefore, the Federation organised another coastal, state-wide agitation and strike, which created a strong impact. In this, other trade unions also joined the struggle.The Government then decided not to issue new licenses. However, the struggle had to be continued as any of the 21 recommendations is yet to be implemented.