Monsoon trawling ban off Kerala coast from midnight

A 45-day monsoon season ban on trawling off the Kerala coast to check depletion of fish stock would come into force from midnight tonight.

A 45-day monsoon season ban on trawling off the Kerala coast to check depletion of fish stock would come into force from midnight tonight.

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Mechanised fishing boats and big vessels using trawlers and high yielding nets would not be allowed to fish along the coast during the period.

Country boats engaged in artisanal fishing, however, would be allowed to operate, an official press release said.

The monsoon season restrictions on fishery activities had been a regular feature in the last two decades in the state since studies found fishing by trawlers during this time would lead to depletion of fish stock in the breeding season.

Patrolling had been stepped up in major fishing centres across the state for effective enforcement of the ban.