The state of Kerala, which is the backbone of the booming fisheries sector in India, will impose trawling ban in the coming month. Kerala Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma has announced a 56 days ban on trawling in the state, that will kickstart from June 9, reported The News Minute.

Why is the ban imposed?

Every year, the Kerala government imposes a ban on trawling to conserve fish stock. The ban will also help with the protection and prosperity of the fisheries sector. Minister Mercykutty Amma announced about the latest developments at a government conference on May 28. The ban will be lifted on July 31. The 56 days ban is imposed this time to make sure that the marine stock on the fishing areas is not depleted. Earlier 52 days ban was imposed, but this year, 60 days of the ban was demanded by the representatives.

What is trawling?

Trawling is a method of fishing that involves pulling a fishing net through the water behind one or more boats. Trawling is one of the most common ways of fishing. The nets used for this method are called trawl nets. These nets are designed to be towed by a boat through the water column or along the seafloor. The shape of the nets are cone or funnel to catch more fish. Trawls are generally used to catch fishes from the profound depth.

Control rooms set up to keep an eye

The state government to make sure that the ban is not violated has activated numerous control rooms in coastal areas during the said period. The minister has directed to all the district collectors to make sure that fishing boats should return to the coast by June 8. It is the onus of the district collectors to ensure that all the other states’ boats leave the coast by June 9. The collectors must make sure that fuel stations near the harbour are shut during the ban period.

The fishermen will be provided with 1,87,000 cards that need to be showed to the enforcement agencies to ensure coastal security.

Also Read: Brave Kerala Fisherman Who Saved Many Lives During Floods, Dies In Tragic Road Accident