Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Nov 1: Intensifying its crackdown on unauthorised mechanised fishing, the district fisheries department seized a trawler boat from Ullal. This marks the fourth Karnataka-based vessel confiscated within a week for violating the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act.

The boat, named 'Samruddhi', was intercepted on Thursday night during a joint patrol by the fisheries department and the Marine Enforcement Wing within 12 nautical miles off the Manjeshwar coast. The operation was led by Rajesh T R, assistant director of the Kizhur fisheries centre. The team included Marine Enforcement ASI Vinod Kumar K K, CPO Arjun, Bekal coastal police station SCPO Manoj Kumar, CPO Jaison, rescue staff Ajish, Sethu Madhavan, Shukkur Ali and Manu, along with patrol boat crew Sathyan and Sathish.

Fisheries deputy director C K Shiny imposed a fine of Rs 2.5 lac on the boat owner. Additionally, the fish catch found on the vessel was auctioned for Rs 75,000. She issued a stern warning that strict action would be taken against vessels violating fishing regulations.

Four days ago, another Karnataka-based trawler, 'Alisa', was seized during a night patrol within the 12-nautical-mile limit off the Manjeshwar coast after failing to produce the required permits. Under the regulations, mechanised fishing boats from other states must obtain a special permit from the Kerala fisheries department to operate within its 12-nautical-mile territorial waters. The owners of 'Alisa' were also slapped with a Rs 2.5 lac fine, and its catch was auctioned for Rs 27,000.

Prior to this, fisheries officials had seized two other Karnataka boats, 'Ekansha' and 'Disha'. Both vessels were fined Rs 2.5 lac each, and their confiscated fish catch fetched an additional Rs 1.1 lac at auction.