Coastal areas peaceful as fishermen defy ban

It was business as usual off the coast of Ernakulam as fishermen ventured out from different fish landing centres and harbours on Monday.

No untoward incidents were reported despite a 61-day ban on all fishing activities off the West Coast of India imposed by the Union government from June 1. Fishermen’s unions said they encountered no problems during fishing expeditions on Monday.

State reiterates stand

Minister for Fisheries K. Babu has said that the State would stick to the old schedule of 47-day ban on fishing by trawlers during monsoon. The fishing ban starts on the midnight of June 14.

He claimed that the Union government decision to impose 61-day ban on all fishing activities had created a crisis like situation in the State for the fisheries sector. The decision had been taken without taking into consideration the special situation of the State and the cause of traditional fishermen, the Minister said.

He said that KUFOS should undertake a study of the trawling ban taking into consideration Kerala’s situation.

The Minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a new post-graduate students’ hostel at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies.

A spokesman for Fisheries Coordination Committee said 30 inboard boats ventured out from Vypeen Kalamukku fish landing centre. Around 100 smaller boats also ventured out of the harbour on Monday. Six inboard boats ventured out from Kochi fishing harbour and three inboard boats ventured out from Chellanam. Besides, 20 boats specialised in catching anchovies also ventured out from Kochi and surrounding fish landing centres. Around fifty fibre boats also ventured out on Monday.