Mangaluru: In a landmark step to enhance maritime safety and fishermen’s welfare, Fisheries Minister Mankal Vaidya announced that Mangaluru’s sea ambulance service will become operational by August 2025. The project, now in the tender stage, aims to offer timely emergency medical support for fishermen and seafarers during sea operations.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the new ice plant facility of Bahar-e-Noor, a coastal fishermen’s cooperative near the Fisheries Harbour. The minister also revealed that a tender worth ₹80 crore has been floated for the third phase of harbour development, with dredging work set to begin soon.

In another major development, the diesel quota for fishing boats has been raised from 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh litres, with strict tracking to ensure it’s fully used within five months.

Assembly Speaker U T Khader, who inaugurated Bahar-e-Noor’s new building, called for a dedicated fisheries policy for Karnataka. He urged responsible fishing, especially avoiding the catching of juvenile fish, and emphasized marine conservation.

To decongest the Mangaluru Fisheries Harbour, a mini fishing jetty at Kotekar is planned at ₹5 crore. Additionally, a ₹200 crore fisheries bridge connecting Bolar and Kotepura has been approved to boost coastal infrastructure.

Fisheries Director Dinesh Kumar K said the new ice plant will be considered for support under the Matsya Sampada Scheme.

MLA Vedavyas Kamath highlighted delays in the Sagarmala project dredging, noting nine unsuccessful tender rounds and slow implementation of the sanctioned third phase.

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