Leaders of the the Kerala Matsyathozhilali Aikya Vedi (TUCI) have urged the state government to implement the Kerala Aquarium Reforms Act(KERA) which has provisions restricting ownership of fishing equipment to fishermen or fishermen cooperative societies alone.
“The Government should also take the initiative to regulate the size of boats and nets and power of engines and there should be a system to unify the same. Fishing by big companies using large trawler vessels should be controlled,” said Aikyavedi state president Charles George. He also urged the government to distribute free ration to fishermen families in a flawless manner.
He said the move to ban fishing by mechanised traditional boats during April-May should not be implemented.
“We welcome certain restrictions and regulation in the traditional fishing sector. But it should not be a complete ban on fishing for 60 days,” Charles said.