Bangalore: Karnataka today (Feb 4, 2004) said it would soon submit a request to the Centre to declare it as a "fish famine State" in the wake of reduced fish yield and announce a relief package to fishermen as was done for farmers affected by drought.

A committee of experts set up by the State would finalise its report on the extent of fish famine and the hardship faced by fishermen in the State in about three days and later approach the Centre for assistance, Minister for Ports and Fisheries Vasanth Saliyan told a press conference.

It has been estimated that the fish production has come down by about 40 per cent in the State.

He said the State would also urge the Centre to direct seven coastal States in the country to strictly adhere to the 45-day fishing ban during the months of June, July and August as a solution to reduce scarcity of fish.