The Hindu Business Line : Kerala to set up expert panel to study trawl ban

The committee will look into the feasibility of implementing the recommendations of a Central expert committee for uniform trawl ban along the West Coast of India.

Kochi , May 30

An expert committee will be constituted to scientifically assess the impacts of monsoon trawl ban along the Kerala coast, Mr S. Sharma, State Fisheries Minister, has said.

After meeting representatives of trade unions in the fisheries sector and boat owners, the Minister said that the committee would look into the impacts of the ban in sustaining the fish wealth of the State. The socio-economic impacts of the ban on the lives of fisherfolks will also be studied.

The committee will also be asked to look into the feasibility of implementing the recommendations of a Central expert committee for uniform trawl ban along the West Coast of India, possibility of enhancement of fish production through conservation and also the impacts of new fishing methods in Kerala coast on fish wealth and conservation. The committee would also examine the possibility of sustainable utilisation and value-addition of fishery wealth.

The Minister said the State Cabinet would examine whether to continue the existing practise of declaring the trawl ban from June 15. The decision will be taken after considering the views of various groups. The arrears of fishermen's pension for four months starting January will be disbursed, he added.

Ban opposed

Though all organisations have welcomed the decision to conduct a study on trawling ban, most of the organisations representing fish workers are against the move to reduce the trawl ban period.

The Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikyavedi, an organisation of fish workers, pointed out that it would oppose any move to reduce the ban period.