Boat seized, ₹2.5 lakh fine imposed for catching juvenile fish off Chettuva

Fisheries Marine Enforcement Task Force personnel with 5,000 kg of undersized fish illegally caught off the Chetuva estuary as part of Operation Paithal

The Fisheries Marine Enforcement Task Force has seized a fishing boat carrying five tonnes of undersized fish off the Chettuva estuary for violating the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act. The boat, ‘Zoris’, owned by Neeraj of Thayattparambil, Munambam, Ernakulam district, was intercepted west of the Chettuva estuary during a special patrol. It was found carrying around 5,000 kg of kilimeen measuring less than the prescribed minimum size of 12 cm.

The seizure was part of ‘Operation Paithal’, launched by the State Fisheries department to prevent the capture of juvenile fish. The enforcement team also seized fishing nets with mesh sizes below the legally permitted limit.

Acting on the directions of Fisheries Joint Director K.V. Sugandhakumari, special task force teams have been conducting day-and-night inspections in deep-sea and coastal waters, estuaries, fishing harbours and fish landing centres across the district. The latest operation was led by Azhikode Fisheries Station assistant director Joyini Jacob.

The Thrissur Deputy Director of Fisheries completed the subsequent proceedings and imposed a fine of ₹2.5 lakh. The undersized fish seized from the boat were released into the sea. Under the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act, catching 58 species of edible marine fish below the prescribed minimum size is an offence.

Thrissur Deputy Director of Fisheries S. Rajesh said strict action would continue to be taken against those resorting to unscientific fishing practices. Special task force squads would intensify inspections at all fishing harbours and fish landing centres in the coming days, he added.