52-day trawling ban imposed in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the ban on trawling in the state from midnight last night, mechanized boats engaged in deep sea fishing were moored by the shore. The ban is till July 31. Fisheries, Marine Enforcement, Coastal Police, Indian Navy and Coast Guard will carry out special patrols from today. Minister Saji Cheriyan directed officials to take strict action against vessels violating the ban. Only one carrier vessel with inboard boats is allowed during the ban period.

Diesel bunks operating at harbors and landing centres were closed. Select diesel bunks of Matsyafed in respective districts will be operational, subject to conditions to supply diesel to inboard boats. 24-hour fisheries control rooms have been started in all coastal districts.

Due to bad weather and 'kallakkadal' phenomenon for a month, the fishermen are in distress as they are unable to go fishing. With the ban on trolling, the misery will double. Officials informed that the distribution of free ration to fishermen will be done properly during the trawling ban period.