Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s annual monsoon-season trawling ban, which lasted 52 days, is set to end at midnight on Thursday. With the restriction lifted, fishing activity is expected to resume early Friday morning as preparations gather pace across the state’s coastal harbours.
A total of 4,200 boats—including mechanized and engine-powered vessels—are getting ready to set sail from various points along the Kerala coast. The ban, which came into effect on June 9, was aimed at protecting fish populations during their breeding season.
Migrant workers, many of whom had returned to their home states during the ban, are now returning. Since earlier this week, boat owners and crews have been stocking up on fuel, ice, drinking water, cooking supplies, and nets in preparation for the new fishing season.
In Ernakulam district, around 600 local boats, along with 150 licensed vessels from other states, are readying for departure from key harbours like Munambam, Vypin Kalamukku, and Thoppumpady.
