The trawling ban in the state will come into effect from June 14 midnight and last till July 31 this year. The decision was announced by Fisheries and Ports Minister K Babu during a high-level meeting held here on Tuesday. Control rooms, which will be operational round-the-clock, will start functioning at coastal districts from May 15.
The Minister said that there should be coordination between all departments for enforcing the trawling ban. District Collectors have been directed to convene meetings of all parties and officials for the purpose.
The Minister said that an amount of `20 lakh had been allocated in the budget to provide free ration for boat employees and those engaged in fishing-related activities. Directives will be issued for boats from other states to leave the Kerala coast before trawling ban begins.
Fisheries Secretary K R Jyothilal, Fisheries Director Mini Antony and officials from the Police, Fisheries and Revenue departments , among others, attended the review meeting.