KOCHI: The drive by Enforcement sleuths during the trawling ban has come in for praise as no untoward incident or serious violation was reported in Ernakulam district during the period. With the trawling ban lifted, the Fisheries Department is set to enforce the colour coding of fishing vessels.
According to K Sajeevan, DySP, Marine Enforcement Wing under the Fisheries Department, violations during trawling ban have come down in the state. “Now, the fishermen cooperate with the ban as most of them understand its significance,” he said. Munnambam fisheries station officers said no case was reported in Ernakulam. But several rescue operations were carried out during the monsoon season. The Marine Enforcement Wing is set to step up checks on the colour coding of vessels.
The Fisheries Department had directed boat owners to paint the hull of boats blue and the wheelhouse orange. Those fishing vessels which fail to adhere to the colour code will invite stern action, including cancellation of licence and registration.“Though all boats have been repainted, we believe it is an unnecessary practice,” fishing vessel owners said.“The boats painted with the colour code are hard for other boats to spot during night. The authorities should have used modern technology instead of colour coding,” said Xavier, a boat owner.