Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, May 18: In a strict enforcement move, Tamil Nadu authorities have issued summons to the owners of two Kerala-based fishing vessels for violating the ongoing seasonal fishing ban along the east coast. The vessel owners have been directed to appear before the Joint Director of Fisheries, who also serves as the adjudicating officer, on Monday.

The vessels — a mechanised bottom trawler and a fibre boat — were intercepted off the coast of Thoothukudi during a coordinated marine patrol on Thursday night. The operation involved officials from the Fisheries Department, Fisheries Enforcement Wing, Coastal Security Group, and local fishing community representatives.

Acting on complaints of illegal fishing, the patrol team located the two Kerala-registered boats operating 32 nautical miles offshore. Authorities seized a total haul of 1,732 kilograms of fish and 110 kilograms of juvenile fish (fishlings). Sixteen fishermen were found onboard the vessels.

The fibre boat was allegedly engaged in light fishing, a banned practice during the closed season designed to protect marine life during key spawning periods.

The seized catch was later auctioned for around Rs 4 lakh, officials confirmed.

A formal charge sheet has been filed against the boat owners for violating Tamil Nadu’s fisheries regulations. “This ban is critical to preserving fish populations and ensuring long-term sustainability. Violations, particularly by out-of-state vessels, are treated with utmost seriousness,” a senior fisheries officer stated.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between fishing communities across state borders, as well as Tamil Nadu’s firm stance on enforcing the seasonal fishing moratorium. Further legal proceedings will follow after Monday's hearing.