The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed a plea for a directive to reduce the trawling ban period from 52 to 47 days.
Justice Shaji P. Chaly, while dismissing a writ petition filed by Charly Joseph, president of the Fishing Boat Operators Association, Kollam, said it was evident from the notification that the ban was imposed a few days earlier to protect the interests of the traditional fishermen community and those engaged in fishing during squally weather conditions during monsoon. Therefore, there was no illegality in the notification issued by the government.
According to the petition, the trawling ban had been imposed without any expert study.
The ban had been imposed for 47 days in the past and was meant for preserving fish shoals during the initial stage of the monsoon season. Now the ban had been extended from 47 to 52 days unilaterally.
The Fisheries Department submitted that the decision to introduce the ban from June 9 was taken considering various aspects, including climatic conditions.
The 52-day ban on bottom trawling along the State coastline had been imposed as there was a need to conserve fish wealth and protect the interests of fishers using traditional fishing boats and conserve and regulate fishing on a scientific basis.
Besides, due to the peculiar weather conditions during the monsoon season, accidents were being reported at sea leading to loss of life and property. These aspects were factored into when the government decided to impose the trawling ban, the department submitted.