Date:28/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/28/stories/2006052806520600.htm

Kerala

Controversy over fishing holiday

Roy Mathew

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marine fishing regulations have again become controversial with the demand for something of a fishing holiday in place of a seasonal ban on trawling.

History has almost come a full circle with a section of the fishing boat owners now demanding a total ban on fishing during monsoon and traditional fishermen opposing it. The boat owners had opposed the seasonal ban on trawling when the traditional fishermen demanded it in the eighties and nineties.

The Government is convening a meeting of all concerned on May 29 in Kochi to resolve the issue. The Government order on the proposed regulations is expected in June.

The fishing holiday and the ban on trawling are aimed at conservation of fish resources. The ban is introduced during monsoon every year, which is the spawning season of many varieties of fish.