Kerala not to implement Centre's directive on trawling ban

Congress-led UDF government in Kerala today said the state will not implement the Centre's directive to impose uniform ban on trawling by all fishing vessels in coastal areas from June 1 to July 31.
"State will not implement at any cost the new directive of Centre for uniform ban on trawling in the 12 nautical miles off state coast," Fisheries Minister K Babu told a meeting of various fishermen organisations here.
As usual monsoon trawling ban would be imposed in the coastal belt of the state for 47 days, he said. Normally, the trawling ban in the state is between June 15 to July 31.

The meeting wanted a delegation led by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to submit a memorandum demanding revocation of the ban order issued on April 10 last.
Problems faced by fishermen in the state due to the Centre's directive would be discussed at the cabinet meeting tomorrow, he said.
National Fish Workers Forum has deplored the uniform ban, saying it was an intrusion into the rights of the fishing community in the state.