Thiruvananthapuram: A ban on trawling has been imposed in the state from June 10. The trawling ban is for a period of 52 days and will end on July 31 at midnight. The decision was taken in a meeting with trade union leaders and chaired by the Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian.

Every coastal region will have functional control rooms operating around-the-clock, and measures have been devised to give free rations to trawler fishermen and personnel in related sectors during this time. Trawlers from other States have been asked to leave the seas off the Kerala coast before the trawl ban comes into effect.

The diesel outlet at harbors would remain closed. During this time, rescue activities at sea would be coordinated by the Fisheries department, Marine Enforcement, and the Coastal Police. It has also been urged that the Indian Navy and Coast Guard be ready to respond to emergencies.