Kerala rejects 61-day fiat on fishing ban

KOCHI: The state government seems to be on a confrontation course with the Centre over the proposed ban on fishing by all fishing vessels in the Indian exclusive economic zone beyond territorial waters.

The ban, from 12 to 200 nautical miles, is for a period of 61 days on the west coast starting from June 1 and ending on July 31. The state fisheries minister K Babu has made it clear that the government is opposed to the move and that the ban would not be enforced in Kerala’s territorial waters. A trawling ban already exists in Kerala during the monsoon months from June 15 to July 31. However, even during this period, traditional fishermen who operate on motorised country boats are allowed to operate. When the central government order becomes effective, no fishing vessel would be able to operate during the ban period.

Minister K Babu said that a meeting of the stakeholders of the sector will be held on Tuesday to decide on the future course of action.

Different organisations in the fisheries sector have already declared that they will defy the ban and go out into the sea for fishing. Says Joseph Xavier Kalappurakkal, general secretary, All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association: “About 55% to 60% of the fish landings is in this season. No expert can say for sure that we will get this catch after the ban”. The ban has been prescribed for conservation and effective management of fishery resources.

The monsoon is usually considered as the breeding season and so a ban during the period will help to preserve the fishery resources.