Kerala sets up expert committee to study impact of trawling ban

Kochi, May 29 (UNI) The Kerala government today announced the setting up of an expert committee to study the impact of the monsoon trawling ban imposed by the state in recent years.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with the representatives of fishing boat owners and fisheries workers here, state Fisheries Minister S Sarma said the expert committee would examine the impact of the 45-day trawling ban on the marine wealth off the state's coast.

The state government has been imposing the ban on the operation of mechanised trawlers during the monsoon season for the past 17 years as a way to regenerate the marine life off the coast.

Mr Sarma said the committee would also examine whether the unified trawling ban, suggested by the Centre, would be practical for the state.

The 45-day ban on trawling is due to come into effect from June 15. It was upto the Cabinet to decide whether there should be an extension of the 45-day period, he added.

The committee would also study the impact of the various fishing methods on marine life, he said.

The welfare pension arrears of the fishermen, due for the past four months, would be distributed shortly, the Minister said.

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