Coast readies for trawling ban

Thiruvananthapuram: District collector Anu Kumari has directed fishermen to strictly comply with all regulations during the annual monsoon trawling ban, in force from June 9 to July 31 along the Kerala coast. The directive was issued at a district-level meeting convened in the collector’s chamber to review ban-period preparedness and coastal safety arrangements.The meeting assessed arrangements by various departments, particularly the fisheries department, for fishermen’s safety and welfare during the ban. Authorities said extensive measures have been put in place to strengthen coastal surveillance and emergency response.Round-the-clock control rooms have been established at the fisheries district office in Thiruvananthapuram (0471-2480335) and the fisheries station at Vizhinjam (0471-2450773). Senior fisheries department officials, including the deputy director, assistant director and joint director, will provide additional support.All fishermen venturing into the sea must carry a copy of their Aadhaar card, and life jackets are mandatory while at sea. Inboard fishing vessels will be permitted to operate with only one accompanying carrier boat, a measure intended to improve monitoring and compliance.A joint committee comprising govt representatives, officials and fisheries trade union leaders will be formed to monitor coastal safety and fishing activities. The committee will hold weekly online meetings to review developments and address emerging concerns.Smaller special committees of five or six members will also be constituted to assess safety conditions and infrastructure at Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi fishing harbours, conduct field inspections and submit recommendations to the district administration.The meeting was attended by sub-collector Alfred OV, additional district magistrate Nirmal Kumar G, fisheries trade union representatives and officials from various departments.