The Kerala government has decided to impose a 52-day trawling ban in the state’s coastal waters from midnight on June 9 to midnight on July 31 to protect marine resources and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
According to the Fisheries Department, the southwest monsoon period is the peak breeding season for many fish species. The ban aims to prevent the destruction of fish eggs, juveniles and breeding stock caused by trawling operations, thereby helping conserve marine fish resources.
Traditional fishermen will be allowed to continue surface fishing in Kerala’s coastal waters during the ban period.
To support workers affected by the suspension of mechanised fishing activities, the government is coordinating with the Civil Supplies Department to provide free ration supplies to labourers working on mechanised fishing vessels, allied workers and peeling workers.
District-level meetings chaired by District Collectors will be convened to ensure the effective implementation of the ban. Authorities have also been directed to ensure that fishing vessels from other states leave Kerala’s coast before the ban comes into effect and that diesel distribution at fishing harbours is regulated.
The Fisheries Department, Marine Enforcement Wing and Coastal Police have been instructed to ensure that all trawling boats are moved to safe locations by the evening of June 9.
Strict legal action will be taken against vessels violating the trawling ban. The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will remain on standby for rescue operations whenever required.
Round-the-clock control rooms have been functioning in all coastal districts since May 15. The government is also taking steps to hire 20 private boats across the state’s nine coastal districts for sea patrol and rescue operations during the ban period.
Two marine ambulances will operate from Vizhinjam and Vypin Fisheries Stations, while nine FRP boats under the Fisheries Department have been deployed for coastal safety operations.
The government is also in the process of appointing 80 fishermen trained at the National Institute of Water Sports in Goa as members of a marine safety force. Funds required for sea patrol and rescue activities have been allocated to all nine coastal districts.
Preparations for the 2026 trawling ban were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Fisheries Minister V. E. Abdul Gafoor at the Secretariat. District Collectors, police officials, representatives of the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, trade unions from the fisheries sector and Fisheries Department officials attended the meeting.
