KOCHI: The district administration, fisheries department and coastal police authorities have made all arrangements for the annual monsoon trawling ban which will begin at midnight on June 9. The ban will be in force for 52 days. A recent meeting convened by the deputy collector reviewed the necessary measures taken for the effective enforcement of trawl ban. Strict warning has been issued to fishing boats and vessels operating from the district to leave the area.
Diesel bunkers in fishing harbours, fish landing centres and those bunks along coastal areas have been ordered to close down during the trawl ban period. Fuel required for fishing boats with inboard engines, which are exempted from the ban, will be made available from Matsyafed bunks and few other selected fuel outlets. The review meeting has decided to take strict action against catching juvenile fishes during the trawl ban.
Free ration will be provided to fish workers and workers of peeling sheds who will be affected by fishing holidays. Fish workers have been asked to contact the Matsya Bhavan offices for application forms for free ration. Authorities have instructed traditional fishermen going to seas during the ban period to carry biometric ID cards. A control room working 24x7 has been opened at Vypeen fisheries station and three patrolling boats will be deployed to face any untoward incidents. A Coast Guard vessel and helicopter are also arranged for patrolling at sea during monsoon.
