The Kerala Swathanthra Matsyathozhilaly Federation (KSMTF), an organization of fishworkers, has condemned the reported statement of the Finance Minister of the state Dr. Thomas Issac, that land would be reclaimed from the sea for starting industries. Hundreds of fisher people gathered in protest in front of the state Secretariat.

According to the KSMTF, such a move would be tantamount to attack on livelihood of fishworkers. The reclamation of the sea will cause serious ecological problems.