The Fisheries Department has cancelled the registration and licence of Beo Hinjis, a gillnet boat found operating in violation of territorial restrictions, and slapped a fine of ₹1.5 lakh on its owner.
Blacklisted
In an official statement, the authorities said the boat, owned by Kanyakumari Thuthoor native P. Naziyan, was blacklisted by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.
The Indian Navy had issued a lookout notice against it. The boat was seized on October 9 from the Thoppumpady fishing harbour when it was about to set sail after filling ice.
According to Fisheries Department Deputy Director S. Mahesh, the Tuna Commission had blacklisted the vessel for adopting banned fishing methods on the maritime border without licence.
Name changed
The engine of the boat was changed, and it was given a new name, Arogya Annai, to evade seizure.
The State and Central governments had issued orders to impound the vessel.
Licence renewal
Meanwhile, the department has directed all fishing boats and boats with outboard engine to renew licence on expiry of the same. The boats should be presented before the authorities for renewing licences.
According to the authorities, the last date for registering new boats is October 20. All boats should have stipulated lifebuoys and lifejackets, and fire-fighting, communication and navigation equipment.
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