SRI VIJAYA PURAM | OCTOBER 24, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA | LOCAL NEWS

Representatives of the fishing community in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have called for action over published allegations that chemicals and preservatives are being used to preserve fish sold in local markets. At a press conference, they cited reported testing of 323 fish samples from different locations across the islands, which they said found no evidence of the suspected chemicals.

Representatives of the Fishermen Welfare Association and local fishermen’s groups said the allegations had raised concerns among consumers and affected fish sales, creating uncertainty for people whose livelihoods depend on fishing and the fish trade.

According to the representatives, a written complaint was submitted on October 16 to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, Member of Parliament, Fisheries Department and food-safety authorities. They said a delegation subsequently approached the police to file a complaint and seek an investigation.

Fishermen Cite Reported Testing of 323 Samples

Association representatives said authorities had collected and tested 323 fish samples from locations across the islands, including areas around Mohanpura and Junglighat in South Andaman. They stated that the reported findings did not detect the suspected chemicals or preservatives.

The representatives called for the findings to be communicated clearly to the public to address concerns about the safety of locally sold fish.

However, the official laboratory report, including its findings, testing methodology and details of the substances examined, was not independently reviewed for this article. The reported results therefore cannot be treated here as independent confirmation that all locally sold fish are free from chemical contamination.

The fishermen also referred to an earlier report they said was issued on March 18, 2025, which they claimed had similarly found no evidence of chemical contamination. Copies of the earlier report were reportedly offered as supporting material during the discussion.

Fishermen Raise Concerns Over Livelihoods

The representatives said the allegations had affected consumer confidence and reduced demand for local fish. They emphasised that fishing, fish vending and related activities support the livelihoods of many people across the islands, including small-scale fishermen and women engaged in selling fish.

They maintained that ice is used to preserve fish during storage and transportation, including on fishing trips lasting several days. They attributed differences in smell and appearance in some catches to factors such as the time taken to retrieve fish, storage conditions, ice and exposure to seabed mud.

These explanations reflect the fishermen’s account of their practices. The press conference did not independently establish the causes of the reported changes in fish quality.

Questions About Fish Quality and Storage

During the discussion, concerns were raised about reports from consumers that some fish develop a strong smell or deteriorate quickly after refrigeration. Questions were also raised about changes in the colour of fish gills and the possibility of contamination through ice or storage practices.

The representatives denied deliberately using harmful chemicals to preserve their catch and said they were willing to cooperate with inspections and further testing. They also invited members of the public to raise concerns directly with their representatives.

The discussion highlighted the need to distinguish allegations of chemical use from broader questions about fish handling, storage and freshness. These issues require appropriate testing and assessment by competent food-safety authorities.

Association Seeks Police Investigation

The fishermen’s representatives said they wanted the police to act on their complaint and investigate the publication of allegations they consider damaging to the community’s reputation.

They argued that claims affecting an entire occupational community should be supported by evidence. The representatives said they had initially sought administrative and police intervention and indicated that continued dissatisfaction over the handling of the complaint could lead to further collective action.

The complaint, the allegations concerning the publication and any question of legal responsibility remain matters for the relevant authorities to examine. No conclusion on those matters can be drawn from the press conference alone.

Transparency and Food Safety Remain Central

The reported testing results, once examined alongside the official laboratory findings and sampling details, could help clarify the specific allegations raised by the fishermen.

For consumers, the priority remains reliable information about the safety and quality of fish sold in local markets. Transparent testing, appropriate handling and storage practices, and evidence-based investigation are important both for protecting public health and for safeguarding the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Dweep Tulika News Desk

This report is based on statements made by fishermen’s representatives at a press conference. The official laboratory report and the complaint submitted to the authorities were not independently examined for this article.