ALAPPUZHA: The fisheries department seized a boat that caught fish smaller than the permissible limit. Fish below the minimum size were caught and destroyed from a boat called Darshana in Alappuzha. 300 kg of mackerel less than 14 cm was seized and destroyed.

Fisheries officials have asked fishermen to refrain from catching small fish. Catching undersized fish - herring (less than 10 cm) and mackerel (less than 14 cm) is detrimental to fish stocks. The main challenge is that it can also lead to fish depletion. Fishery officials also stated that due to not catching small fishes that had not reached growth last year, this year fishermen got good herring and mackerel.

The decision of the fisheries department is to strengthen the inspection in the coming days and to take strict action against those who catch small fish. Deputy Director of Alappuzha Fisheries said that a fine of up to Rs 2.5 lakh will be levied and legal action will be taken after the fish in the vessel will be found and tied.

The inspection was conducted under the leadership of Mili Gopinath, Assistant Director of Fisheries Station. Marine Enforcement Police Guards Sumesh, Shani, Arun Chandran and Manu and Sea Rescue Guards Sebastian, Vinod, Jinto and Robin were also part of the inspection team.