Night trawling on the rise in Vizhinjam, Valiyathura

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEPT. 14. Traditional fishermen have complained of unchecked night trawling in the stretch between Vizhinjam and Valiyathura. Trawlers from Thankaserry are coming in groups and sweeping away the entire wealth of cuttle fish which is a speciality of the season, the fishermen say.

This has affected the traditional fishermen who eke out a living by catching the cuttle fish with hook and line. The main reason for the invasion of trawlers is the absence of effective night patrolling by the Marine Enforcement squad, the Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation president, Mr. T. Peter, has said.

Strangely enough, the fishing trawlers are keeping away from Anchuthengu which was earlier one of their favourite haunts. Night trawling has been banned under the Marine Regulation Act. Moreover, the Act does not permit operation of mechanised boats up to 10 kms from the shore.

Though there are five patrol boats in Vizhinjam only one of them, Kaveri, is operational. Even this boat is not used for night patrolling. This has made the task easy for the trawlers who come at night, Mr. Peter said.

Despite repeated requests, the authorities concerned have not taken any steps for the proper maintenance of the patrol boats or to intensify night patrolling. Though the local police are ready to go for patrolling at night, the Marine Enforcement personnel are not available, he said.

The traditional fishermen would be forced to take extreme steps to prevent the entry of trawlers if the authorities fail to act, Mr. Peter said.

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Section  : Southern States
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