Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma on Wednesday said that a new law will be brought in to ensure the quality of fish sold in the state. 

"Stringent punishment will be given to those who are selling stale fish. Huge penalty will be imposed on those who are violating the law," she added.

In the first phase, the penalty will be Rs 1 lakh, in the second phase it will be increased to Rs 3 lakh and then to Rs 5 lakh in the third phase, she told Mathrubhumi News.

Meanwhile, she said that the auction of fish will not be suspended. Strict restrictions will be placed, she added.

Minister also said that the protest by fisherfolk in Vizhinjam will be taken as a serious matter. However, she added that the state can’t take decisions overruling the central government's instructions.

Rs 2,000 announced for fishermen will be disbursed at the earliest. A decision on fishing using small boats will be taken after April 20, she further said.