Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), June 5: The Kerala government has announced a 52-day trawling ban along its coastal waters from midnight of June 9 to July 31, 2025, as part of its annual marine conservation drive.
The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, aims to protect fish stocks during the breeding season and prevent overfishing. The ban will apply to mechanised fishing vessels, while traditional inboard boats will be permitted to operate under strict safety protocols.
Key Measures and Guidelines:
- Ban period: June 9 (midnight) – July 31 (midnight), 2025
- Applies to: Mechanised trawlers
- Permitted: Traditional fishing with inboard boats (must be safety-equipped)
- Jurisdiction: Coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles
The Fisheries Department emphasized that bottom trawling, which damages the seabed and affects juvenile fish, will be strictly prohibited. Violators will face penalties from enforcement agencies.
To ensure smooth implementation, the Coastal Police and District Collectors have been directed to ensure all out-of-state boats vacate Kerala waters before the ban begins.
Support for Fisherfolk
To cushion the financial impact on trawler workers, the state government will provide ration supplies and subsidies during the ban period.
Officials said the ban coincides with the breeding season of key commercial fish species, helping maintain marine biodiversity and long-term fishery sustainability.