Thiruvananthapuram: The trawling ban has come into effect from Saturday midnight in Kerala. This time, the state government has put in place strong surveillance measures to ensure that boat owners comply with the trawling ban, the fisheries officials said.
In the coming days, the Fisheries Department will strengthen the sea patrolling. The department has already hired four new boats and a few skilled fishers for this purpose. Beypore, Puthiyappa, Koyilandy and Chombal harbours will be the focus of patrol teams on hired boats.
Several boats, which ventured into the sea last month, have returned to its bases. Fishermen from outside the state has also started returning to their native places.
The department has requested district collectors of Mangaluru and Kanyakumari to inform fishers in their area about the ban.
The ban will end on June 31. This year, the government has imposed the ban five days early. In past years, the ban was imposed for 47 days.
Action against pair trawling will be one of the priorities of the marine enforcement squad and the coastal police. Hefty fine will be imposed and boats will be seized on noticing the illegal fishing method, the officials said.
The supply of subsidised diesel for boats will be stopped at all diesel bunks in the state.
