The High Court on Friday sought the response of the State government on a writ petition filed by the Fishing Boat Operators Association, Kollam district, challenging the rule increasing the licence and registration fees for fishing boats and imposing restrictions on fishing by mechanised boats in the territorial waters of the State.
The association, in its petition, said the licence and registration fee had been enhanced exorbitantly as per the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2018. In fact, excess fee had been prescribed for registration and renewal of licence. As a result, many boat owners were not able to obtain licences or renew their registration.