An undesirable method of fishing using poisonous and toxic chemicals

Abstract

A survey made at the landing centres north of Madras Fisheries Harbour upto Ennore revealed that the local fishermen use some chemical for fishing in areas with rocky bottoms and boulders mostly during rough seas. Since the chemical contains cyanide and lead there is no doubt that the chemical complex material is a health hazard not only to the local fishermen but also to those consumers who use the fish for food. Investigations revealead that more and more fishermen resort to toxic and poisonous agents to narcotize the fish in their environments and catch them since it is an easy way without involving expenditure or much fishing effort. This method of fishing using cyanide and lead containing products will pose a health problem even to those fishermen in the long run by their constant handling of these chemicals.