Coastal line tense due to trawler ‘incursions’

Fisherfolk claim trawling boats violate norms by entering he 12 nautical miles area from coast

The Thiruvananthapuram coastline has come under increased tension owing to alleged incursions by trawlers into the zone reserved for the traditional mode of fishing.

During the last few weeks, various coastal areas, mainly Valiyathura, has been witnessing demonstrations by the traditional fisherfolk in protest against repeated attempts made by trawling boats violating norms by entering the area within 12 nautical miles (22.22 km) from the coastline. There are many among the local populace who fear that the lack of measures to prevent such encroachments could affect their livelihood.

According to Joy, a fisherman who operates off the Valiyathura coast, the alleged intrusions, which have been going on for a few weeks, has destroyed peace in the region.

“We have been facing the threat of trawlers, just when the traditional fishermen got rich catches of squid, which ranged from ₹300 to ₹350 per kg. Trawling boats from Colachel in Kanyakumari and nearby places including Neendakara enter our fishing areas and deplete the fish stock in the sea using the bottom-trawling method by which fish eggs and juveniles are destroyed,” he said.

The traditional fishing community also alleged that the presence of trawlers within the particular zone has also endangered their safety. There have also been many instances when their nets have been cut off by trawlers, they claim. Allegations are also rife that the mid-sea collision that was reported off the Veli coast, in which three fishermen barely escaped after their boat capsized, could have been due to the ignorant act of a trawler.

Robert Panipilla, chief coordinator of Friends of Marine Life, a NGO, cautioned that the failure on the part of the authorities in resolving the issue could lead to violent confrontations between the traditional fishermen and trawling boat operators, similar to what had occurred during the 1980s. He also demanded measures to prevent trawlers from engaging in destructive modes of fishing that threatened to impact seabed ecosystems.

While the Coastal Police have begun to receive complaints, they have not been able to detect the presence of trawlers within the 12-nautical-mile zone. “Efforts were being made to ensure the regular presence of patrolling boats along the coast to deter trawlers from venturing close to the shores. The availability of marine reserves often lead trawling boat operators to fish beyond their permitted zones. Major fishing harbour such as that in Neendakara often report such instances on a frequent basis,” an official said.