Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala will enforce its annual 52-day trawling ban from June 9 midnight to July 31 midnight as part of measures to conserve marine resources and ensure sustainable fishing practices, the state Fisheries Department said on Saturday.

The annual trawling ban, which has been in force in the state since 1988, is aimed at protecting fish stocks during the monsoon breeding season, when most marine species reproduce.

The department, in a statement, said the ban was necessary to prevent the destruction of fish eggs, juveniles and brood fish caused by trawling operations during the southwest monsoon period.

Traditional fishermen will, however, be allowed to continue surface fishing in Kerala's territorial waters during the ban period.

The department also pointed out that the Centre has imposed a 61-day fishing ban in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the west coast from June 1 to July 31, prohibiting all fishing activities except those carried out by non-motorised vessels.

To ensure effective implementation of the trawling ban, the Fisheries Department has activated round-the-clock control rooms in all coastal districts from May 15 onwards, it said.

Steps are also under way to hire 20 private boats across the state's nine coastal districts for sea patrol and rescue operations during the ban period.

Fisheries ambulances stationed at Vizhinjam and Vypeen will remain operational, while nine FRP boats under the department have been deployed for maritime safety activities.

The department said steps are being taken to appoint 80 trained fishermen youth, who completed courses at the National Institute of Water Sports in Goa, as members of a marine safety force.

Funds required for sea patrol and rescue operations have already been allocated to all nine coastal districts, it added.

The department further said arrangements are being made in coordination with the Civil Supplies Department to provide free ration to workers of mechanised fishing vessels, peeling workers and others who lose employment during the trawling ban period.

District-level meetings chaired by District Collectors will be convened to ensure smooth enforcement of the ban.

Authorities have also been directed to ensure that fishing boats from other states leave Kerala waters and that diesel bunk operations at fishing harbours are regulated during the period.

They have been asked to ensure that trawling vessels are shifted to safe locations before the ban comes into force.

Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against boats violating the ban.

The Fisheries Department, Marine Enforcement and Coastal Police will jointly undertake maritime safety operations, while the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard will remain ready to assist in rescue operations whenever required.

The department also said a special meeting with representatives of various fishermen's organisations in the state would be convened later to discuss issues related to the fisheries sector, the statement added.