Fishermen pushing a boat to the shore ahead of the trawling ban | Photo: Mathrubhumi / KK Santhosh
Kozhikode: As the 52-day-long trawling ban in Kerala is all set to commence on June 9, fishing boats in the state have begun returning to the shore. Starting Friday midnight, fishing trawlers will have to keep 12 nautical miles away from the Kerala coast till July 31. However, the ban does not apply for traditional fishermen.
Due to adverse weather conditions, a majority of the boats in the sea have already stopped fishing and headed back to the harbours. The rest of them will return by Friday night. The fisherfolk of other states have also begun heading back home.
Meanwhile, a shortage in the availability of fish coupled with adverse weather conditions have intensified the crisis in the fishing sector. Usually, during the trawling period, the fisherfolk make a living out of the income they generated in the previous months.
“Due to the shortage of fish, we faced a severe drop in our daily income last few months,” said boat owners.
The state government, during the ban period, provides relief to the fisherfolk by way of free ration distribution. However, All Kerala Boat Operators Association president, Preman, demanded the government to provide financial assistance to the fishermen.
There are around 1,200 fishing boats in the district. Fishermen from other states have also begun fishing using trawling accessories. Action must be taken to avoid this, added Preman.
Control Room
As part of the trawling ban, a special 24-hour control has been set up to assist the fishermen. For queries, contact: Fisheries control room no. 0495 - 2414074, 0495 - 2992194, 9496007052, Coast Guard: 1554
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