Trawling ban for 52days from June 10

The annual monsoon trawling ban in Kerala will begin at midnight on June 10 and will be in force for 52 days, an increase of five days over the period followed by the State so far.

Emerging from a meeting with officials and trade unions in the sector, Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma said the extension of the ban period was in tune with the government’s policy to achieve parity with the 61-day ban in other maritime States.

Though the initial proposal was to increase the period by seven days, discussions on the issue finally reached a consensus on a 52-day ban.

The Minister said officials had been directed to enforce the trawling ban. Control rooms working 24x7 had been opened in all coastal districts and vessels arranged for patrolling and rescue operations at sea during the monsoon.

Diesel outlets at all harbours and fish landing centres would remain closed during the ban period.

An official pressnote quoting the Minister said fishing vessels from other States had been directed to leave Kerala coast before June 9. Fishworkers were advised to carry biometric ID cads as part of coastal security measures.

The pressnote said boat operators were expected to complete the painting of vessels in accordance with the uniform colour coding during the trawling ban period.