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

Thrissur 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.