Thiruvananthapuram: Coastal fishing thrives even as trawling restrictions are in place. Traditional fishermen are excited after catching a giant whipray off the Vizhinjam coast. The 90 kg whipray was sold for Rs 8,000.

This time, the fishermen in Vizhinjam say that they are catching a lot of fish belonging to species with export potential.

Fishermen say that a huge stock of prawns, tuna, etc. will arrive in the coming days. These are also among the fish exported from here. As trawling is restricted, only traditional fishermen can go into the sea. Deep-sea fishing in large boats is not permitted.

However, for the past few days, the catch of the traditional fishermen has been dwindling. This is because the availability of fish near the coast decreased due to less rainfall. Yet, owing to the recent rainy spell, the boats are starting to fill up again. Fishermen are hopeful this trend will continue for the next few days.

Trawling ban in Kerala

The trawling ban, imposed as part of efforts to protect marine fisheries resources during the monsoon in Kerala, has been effective from midnight on June 9. The 52-day trawling ban will end on July 31.

Fishing trawlers must stay 12 nautical miles away from the Kerala coast. The Fisheries Department has warned of strict action against those found violating the rules.

However, traditional fishermen using canoes and inboard boats are allowed to venture into the sea even during the trawling period.

The monsoon is considered the spawning period for commercially significant fish species such as oil sardines. The reason for the ban is that it is the breeding season for fish, and any disturbance to that process depletes fish stocks.

During this period, free rations will be provided for trawlers and allied workers by the state government. District Collectors will direct boats from other states to leave the coastal areas before the trawling ban begins.

By the evening of June 9, the Marine Enforcement and Coastal Police ensured that trawling boats were moved from the sea to safer locations. The Coastal Police and Fisheries officials will be vigilant against violations of the trawling ban, and action will be taken against offenders. Any trawler that breaks the rules will be fined.