KOCHI: While the traditional fishermen in Kerala coast have been getting a fairly good catch due to the trawling ban and the onset of monsoon, the frequent weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Department and the Fisheries Department have left them upset.
Though it is common for the sea to turn rough during monsoon season, the fishermen say they are receiving alerts almost every week cautioning them against venturing into the sea.
On Saturday, the Meteorological Department issued an alert advising the fishermen not to venture into the sea as strong winds and rough to very rough sea conditions are likely over the Southwest, Central and North Arabian sea.
“This is the season why we get a good catch. The weather warnings will trigger panic among the fishermen and they will be restrained from venturing into the sea. This has adversely affected their livelihood. The IMD should divide Kerala into three zones and issue warning on a zonal basis,” said Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikyavedi president Charles George.
Fisheries Department deputy director S Mahesh said the department has been issuing regular alerts to caution the fishermen.