Thiruvananthapuram: The 52-day trawling ban in Kerala will commence on June 9 at midnight and conclude on July 31 at midnight. This annual monsoon ban, in effect since 1988, is designed to protect fish resources and promote scientific fishing practices.
Importance of the Monsoon Ban
The monsoon season is a critical breeding period for fish. The state fisheries department stated on Saturday that the southwest monsoon provides the most suitable conditions for fish reproduction, making it essential to prevent trawling activities that destroy fish eggs, juveniles, and broodstock.
Exemptions and Regulations
Under the Surface Fishing Control and Conservation Act of 2007, traditional fishermen using surface fishing methods in coastal waters will not be hindered. However, the Union government has imposed a ban on all fishing activities, except for non-motorized vessels, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the western coast from June 1 to July 31.
Implementation Measures
The fisheries department has implemented several measures to enforce the trawling ban effectively. Control rooms operating 24/7 have been established in all coastal districts since May 15. Efforts are underway to rent 20 private boats across nine coastal districts for sea patrolling and rescue operations during the ban period. Two marine ambulances are operational, stationed at Vizhinjam and Vypeen fisheries stations. Additionally, nine FRP boats under the department are deployed for sea safety operations.
A draft notification for implementing the trawl ban has been submitted to the government, according to a fisheries department statement. “Steps are being taken for the appointment of 80 young fishermen, who completed training at the National Institute of Water Sports in Goa, as members of the sea safety force. Necessary funds have been allocated to the nine coastal districts for sea patrolling and rescue operations. In collaboration with the civil supplies department, steps are being taken to provide free rations to workers on mechanized fishing vessels and associated workers, including peeling workers, who lose employment during the trawling ban period,” the statement said.
District-Level Coordination
District-level meetings will be convened under the chairmanship of collectors to ensure effective implementation of the trawl ban. Instructions have been given to ensure that boats from other states leave the Kerala coast and to control diesel bunkers in harbors.
Strict legal actions will be taken against boats violating the trawling ban, authorities stated.
A meeting chaired by the fisheries minister was held on Friday at the Secretariat to discuss matters related to the implementation of the trawl ban.
