KOCHI: Welcoming the Kerala High Court decision to strictly implement trawling ban rules, Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma on Saturday it will not impact the traditional fishermen who operate on small boats.“The government will introduce a new bill to ensure that good quality fish arrive in markets and to empower fishermen against exploitation by middlemen,” the minister said while addressing a gathering as part of the inauguration of the Matsyafed District Office at Thoppumpady in Kochi.
She said the High Court order will not affect country fishing boats, which operate even during the trawling ban season. However, there are reports that even small boats are netting juvenile fish which are against the law. Strict action will be taken against those involved in juvenile fishing. Following the implementation of various preventive measures, the fish wealth has increased by 12 per cent last year. The government collected more than `2 crore as the fine amount from people involved in juvenile fishing during the past two years.
“A bill will be introduced in the Assembly enabling the fishermen community to decide the price and conduct the auctioning. They can ensure good quality fish reach the markets. We will ensure the prices of the fish sold in Kerala are fixed by fishermen and not middlemen. The new law also ensures stringent punishment against those who engage in adulteration of fish. We will also increase checking at ice plants,” she said.
Mercykutty Amma promised Matsyafed’s activities will be enhanced by which the agency can directly take part in the auctioning of fish in all harbours across Kerala. The welfare organisations representing fishermen communities will be strengthened. These organisations will be provided with funds so that they can take part in the auctioning at harbours. Loans will be provided to these bodies through Matsyafed. According to Mercykutty Amma, adulterated fish come to Kerala from other states. A kit has been developed to check adulterated fish.
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