Thiruvananthapuram : Ban on trawling in State takes effect from Thursday midnight lasting 52 days until midnight of July 31. During this period, mechanised boats are prohibited from entering the sea. However, small inboard and traditional boats would be allowed, but are restricted to remain 12 nautical miles from the coast. 24-hour control rooms are set up in all coastal districts.
All major fishing harbours will stay shut during the ban. The diesel bunks and landing centres at these places. However, a few of Matsyafed’s diesel bunks will remain open to supply diesel for inboard boats.
Traditionally, major maintenance works of boats and nets are carried out during the trawling ban. The Department of Fisheries has engaged services of Marine Enforcement, Coastal Police, Indian Navy and Indian Coast to oversee implementation of the ban.
The State govt will provide free ration for two months to fishing families and the workers are also paid Rs 1500 each of the two months in assistance.
Ban on fishing is imposed each year since 1989, with view to the fish breeding season during monsoons.
