Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod
Kasargod, Oct 25: Kerala’s fisheries department has seized two fishing boats from Malpe for allegedly carrying out illegal fishing in state waters, recovering a total of Rs 6.11 lac through fines and auction proceeds.
The action was taken during a joint night patrol by the fisheries department and the marine enforcement wing on Thursday night. The boats were intercepted while allegedly engaged in night-time trawling within 12 nautical miles of the Uppala coast without the mandatory documents.
Following the completion of inquiry proceedings against the owners of the Karnataka boats Ekansh and Disha II, fisheries department deputy director C K Shaini imposed a fine of Rs 5 lac under the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act.
An additional Rs 1.11 lac was realised through auction, taking the total recovery to Rs 6.11 lac.
The operation was carried out by a team led by Kumari Arunendu Ramakrishnan, Fisheries Extension Officer at Kumbala Matsya Bhavan.
The team included marine enforcement wing SCPO Sharath Kumar, CPO Arjun, rescue personnel Shivakumar, Dhanesh, Sameer, Ashwaq Ali and Muneer, boat operator (serang) Mohammed Iqsal, and driver Satheesh.
Fisheries department assistant director Rajesh T R said strict action would be taken against fishing boats found violating the law.