52-day trawling ban begins in state from June 9

Thiruvananthapuram: The 52-day trawling ban would begin in the state on June 9 midnight and will end on July 31 midnight. The trawling ban during monsoon has been effective in the state since 1988 and is observed to protect fish resources and ensure scientific fishing practices.

The monsoon is a crucial breeding period for fish. State fisheries department on Saturday said the southwest monsoon is the most suitable time for this process, making it essential to prevent the destruction of fish eggs, juveniles and broodstock through trawling.

Under the Surface Fishing Control and Conservation Act of 2007, traditional fishermen in the state’s coastal waters will not face obstacles in surface fishing. However, the Union govt has imposed a ban on all fishing activities, except for non-motorized vessels, in the special economic zone (EEZ) of the western coast from June 1 to July 31.

The fisheries department has taken various measures to effectively implement the trawling ban. Control rooms operating 24/7 have been established in all coastal districts since May 15. Efforts are under way to rent 20 private boats across nine coastal districts for sea patrolling and rescue operations during the ban period.

Two marine ambulances are operational, centred at Vizhinjam and Vypeen fisheries stations. Additionally, nine FRP boats under the department are deployed for sea safety operations.

A draft notification for implementing the trawl ban has been submitted to the govt, a fisheries department statement said. “Steps are being taken for the appointment of 80 young fishermen, who completed training at National Institute of Water Sports in Goa, as members of sea safety force. Necessary funds have been allocated to the nine coastal districts for sea patrolling and rescue operations. In collaboration with the civil supplies department, steps are being taken to provide free rations to workers on mechanized fishing vessels and associated workers, including peeling workers, who lose employment during the trawling ban period,’’ the statement said.

District-level meetings will be convened under the chairmanship of collectors to effectively implement the trawl ban. Instructions have been given to ensure that boats from other states leave Kerala coast and to control diesel bunkers in harbours.

Strict legal actions will be taken against boats violating the trawling ban, authorities stated.

A meeting, chaired by fisheries minister, was held on Friday at the Secretariat to discuss matters related to the implementation of trawl ban.