Even though the annual monsoon-time ban on bottom trawling is in force, export-oriented seafood, usually harvested through trawling by the mechanised fishing sector, is reaching the main fish-landing centres in large quantities in Kollam.
Those in the mechanised fishing sector allege that though the 47-day trawling ban is in force, bottom sea trawling is being carried out under the guise of traditional fishing. Such fish being brought to the landing sites include kilimeen (threadfin bream), uluvachi (lizard fish), and several varieties of shrimp.
General secretary of the Kollam District Fishing Boat Operators Association Peter Mathias said threadfin bream was an important export variety that could be harvested in large quantities only by trawling. But agents of seafood exporters were now present at the landing sites to purchase the fish from auction halls.
The situation has turned beneficial for the traditional sector. Kilimeen, which usually sells at around Rs.35 to Rs. 40 each in the local market during the normal period, is now going at Rs.100 a fish. Lizard fish, a local delicacy, too has become expensive.
Mr. Mathias said more than 400 in-board engine boats, which are de facto mechanised fishing boats, were operating along the district coast under the guise of traditional fishing boats. “It is no secret that such boats are engaged in both pelagic fishing and bottom trawling.”
“If it is a ban, it has to be a total. But the ban appears to be a cosmetic exercise with political interests meant to appease some sections. The trawling ban period is a time when only pelagic and hook and line fishing should be carried out in the Kerala waters. But now rampant trawling is taking place,” he alleged.
T. Peter, secretary of the National Fish Workers Forum representing the traditional sector, said trawling under the guise of traditional fishing was taking place not only during the trawl ban period but also at other times too. He said such fishing boats were employing destructive fishing methods using ring seine nets. The government should intervene and put an end to it.
