Trawlers out for a big catch after ban

After a 62-day trawling ban, major fishing harbours of Kerala such as Kollam, Kochi, Munambam, Chavakkad, Ponnani and Beypur have geared up for the new fishing season which begins from today (August 15).

According to preliminary estimates, India has lost about Rs 300 crore on the export front owing to the ban extension.

In Kerala alone, around 10 lakh people depend on the fishing sector for their livelihood and it was a virtual period of famine for them during the ban period.

The annual 45-day fishing ban, which has been in vogue since 1993 in Kerala, is limited to 5,000-odd boats. The state government usually allows traditional and country boats to carry on fishing.

However, the Supreme Court extended the fishing holiday to 62 days for trawlers and by two weeks for country boats following a petition filed by a Goa-based non-governmental organisation (NGO). Consequently, it was a total ''fishing holiday' for the last two weeks.

The development seriously hit fishing trade and prices of most varieties of fish, including Indian sardine, which was available in plenty during the season, increased by 2-4 fold.

The ban has almost paralysed the coastal economy as even allied industries such as peeling sheds, export houses, processing factories, ice manufacturers and diesel pumps have been shut.

The apex court order evoked widespread resentment among fishermen's organisations in the state. Most leaders alleged that the court order was not in tune with the ground realities.

They also said that institutions such as the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) misled the court by submitting a one-sided report.

Ironically, foreign vessels and factory ships freely fished marine resources in the Indian Ocean during the ban period. This prompted the fishing community to demand a similar ban on foreign vessels as well.