Trawling ban along Kerala coast begins

Kochi, June 14 (ANI): Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy has announced a one- and-a-half-month long ban on trawling along the coasts of Kerala. It comes into effect from midnight today. The ban will remain for 47 days till July 31.

Studies have revealed that over fishing during the monsoons, leads to a drastic depletion of fish stock. To avoid any disruption in fish breeding activity, trawling has been banned during monsoons.

Over 4000 boats remain idle during this period. The Kerala Government has ordered boats from other states to leave the coast before the ban takes effect. The government has also ensured that free ration will be provided to fishermen who are rendered jobless during this period.

District Collector P I Sheikh Pareeth has directed diesel bunks not to sell diesel to fishing boat owners during the trawling ban period. He warned diesel bunks that if they violated the order, steps would be taken to cancel their licenses.

This annual ban started off in 1988 and is considered an important step for sustainable development of the fish resources in Arabian Sea. (ANI)