Thrissur: The Kerala Fisheries Department collected ₹4.22 crore in the last financial year through penalties imposed on illegal fishing activities and revenue from auctioning seized fish, with Thrissur district emerging as the highest contributor in the state, officials said.

Of the total revenue, ₹3.55 crore came from fines imposed on violations, while ₹67.56 lakh was generated through the auction of confiscated fish. 

Thrissur alone accounted for ₹1.17 crore in total revenue, including ₹89.65 lakh from penalties and ₹28.21 lakh from fish auctions. It also led the state in marine rescue operations, saving 1,260 fishermen during accidents at sea, according to department data.

Ernakulam ranked second with ₹1.04 crore in total collections, followed by Kozhikode, which generated ₹70.89 lakh. However, Kozhikode reported the highest number of fisheries law violations in the state at 106 cases.

Kannur recorded 96 violations, while Alappuzha registered 82 cases. Thrissur reported 80 violations despite leading in revenue collection.

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Across Kerala’s nine coastal districts, fisheries enforcement teams detected a total of hundreds of violations, reflecting increased monitoring of illegal fishing practices. Authorities typically seize fishing vessels involved in violations, impose fines, and auction off any fish found onboard.

In total, 5,515 fishermen were rescued across the state through coordinated emergency response efforts by the Fisheries Department during the year.

Speaking on the department’s performance, Dr. Seema C, Deputy Director of Fisheries in Thrissur, said the results reflect the vigilance of field officers. The proactive work of fisheries officials has helped detect numerous violations and generate the highest revenue from Thrissur district.

She also noted that Thrissur’s performance in rescue operations was significant. It is notable that the district not only led in revenue collection but also saved the highest number of fishermen from maritime accidents.