In his more than four decades of life as a fisherman, Francis has witnessed violent rows between traditional fisherfolk and trawling boat operators and workers over jurisdiction of operations.
The State government in 1980 introduced the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act which clearly states that mechanised vessels should operate 12 nautical miles from the coast.
As time went by, many among the traditional fisherfolk migrated to trawling boats in search of better prospects. “The altercations slowly died down as there were friends and relatives on both sides. But increasing incidents of intrusion of trawling boats too close to the shore threatens to bring back those days of conflict,” said Francis, who never took to mechanised vessels and continues to row his way into the sea from the Malippuram beach in Elamkunnapuzha panchayat.
He alleged that an unholy nexus between the trawler operators and the officials of the marine enforcement wing facilitated frequent intrusion of mechanised vessels into territorial waters threatening the livelihood of traditional fisherfolk like him.
A.C. Clarence, district president, Kerala Pradesh Matsya Thozhilali Congress, said intrusion of mechanised vessels into territorial waters has become rampant along the coastal areas of the district. “Such incidents have been reported from areas such as Chellanam, Kannamali and Manassery. It threatens to create tension between traditional fishermen and trawling boat operators,” he said.
Charles George, president, Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi, (TUCI), said trawlers resort to illegal fishing practices such as pelagic trawling instead of demersal trawling. “Pelagic trawling, wherein the net is towed higher in the water column, targets fish varieties such as sardine, mackerel, and anchovies vital to the survival of traditional fisherfolk. On the other hand, in demersal trawling the net is cast a lot closer to the sea floor targeting fish species such as mullet, prawns, squid, threadfin bream, etc.,” he said.
P.X. Stanley, district president, Fishing Boat Operators Relief Organisation, however refuted allegations of intrusion into coastal waters by trawling boats. He said a majority of fishing boats returned with fish varieties found in the deep sea. “Some smaller boats that are not fit to operate deeper into the sea may be entering the coastal waters. They are the ones impounded by the marine enforcement wing of the fisheries department. But they are exceptions,” he said.
Mr. George said the practice of ‘mini trawling’ whereby the seabed is swept for a catch by traditional fishermen in small country boats also poses a threat to marine wealth.
A. Ramachandran, who heads the School of Industrial Fisheries at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, called for strict enforcement of the provisions of the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act. “Coastal waters, mangrove habitat or brackish waters are the chosen breeding grounds for fish during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods. Hence, intrusion of trawlers into the coastal waters during that time can be damaging as fish in juvenile stages will be captured threatening fish species,” he said.
M.S. Saju, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Ernakulam, shot down allegations that an unholy nexus between members of the marine enforcement wing and trawling operators was affecting the enforcement drive. “We have impounded six boats since April for violating the provisions of the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act. Another boat was seized from Chellanam on Friday while another is under the radar and may be confiscated any time. We slap fines ranging between Rs.25,000 and Rs.50,000 before releasing the impounded boats. Fine will go up for repeated offences,” he said.
Mr. Saju said the marine enforcement wing was engaged in constant patrolling along the coastal areas.
The drive has been intensified especially along the areas south of Kuzhupilly in Vypeen on account of increasing incidents of intrusion of trawlers into coastal waters, he said.
