THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has begun crackdown on fishing vessels, including mechanised boats, that are violating the trawling ban in force from June 9 to July 31. The fisheries department and the marine enforcement wing, through joint patrols, have detected 10 violations till date and collected a total of Rs 1.95 lakh through fines and the auction of confiscated fish.
The government has warned of stringent action against vessels that violate the ban, including the seizure of fishing boats operating illegally during the prohibited period. The surveillance was stepped up after some fishing vessels, including mechanised fishing boats, were found to be engaging in illegal fishing activities.
“Such violations adversely affect the natural breeding process of marine fish stocks, leading to the destruction of juvenile fish and a decline in future fish availability, This, in turn, negatively impacts the livelihood and economic security of traditional fishermen,” said a fisheries department official.
The restrictions imposed during the southwest monsoon - the breeding season for marine fish - are intended to conserve marine fish resources. The trawling ban has been enforced to protect fish during their breeding season and to ensure the sustainability of marine fish stocks. The government has urged all fishermen and vessel owners to adopt responsible fishing practices and strictly comply with the trawl ban regulations and other fishing restrictions.
The fisheries department has also intensified its surveillance and monitoring. “Members of the public are requested to immediately report any instances of illegal fishing to the nearest coastal fisheries station or the fisheries department control room,” the official said.