In a move that could have serious implications for the fishing sector, the Coast Guard has approached the State government seeking a greater role in enforcement of marine laws in territorial waters under State jurisdiction. The government has sought a detailed proposal from the Coast Guard before finalising its response. Giving the Coast Guard a greater role in enforcement and regulation would require an executive order or an amendment to the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1980, says Director of Fisheries Mini Antony, who held discussions with the Coast Guard Commandant. With faster vessels and infrastructure and better reach, the Coast Guard would be in a better position to act against unlicensed vessels and violations of territorial jurisdiction. They can coordinate with the Coastal Police and Marine Enforcement wing to enforce marine laws and enhance coastal security, says an official. But others feel that the move is fraught with danger. The State Act envisages a limited role for the Coast Guard in enforcement and regulation. While a panel of officials from the Fisheries Department and Coast Guard is empowered to impound vessels, seize catch and impose penalty, the abjudication power rests with officials in the rank of Deputy Director. Handing over abjudication powers to the Coast Guard could result in conflict of interests and harassment of fishers, says an official. State department officials with a better understanding of ground realities are appropriate for the role. Clashes off coast Meanwhile, tension has been building up following clashes between traditional fishers and trawlers off the coast of Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram last week. Local fishermen allege that trawler boats, mostly from Tamil Nadu, were intruding into areas demarcated for the traditional sector. The ban on night time trawling is also violated by these vessels, says Joseph Xavier Kalappurackal, general secretary, Kerala Fishing Boat Operators’ Association. The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) has warned that the situation could escalate into a major confrontation unless the government took steps to check the illegal trawling. Four fishers from Andhakaranazhi in Alappuzha were injured in a clash at sea on Saturday while trying to prevent trawling. Bottom Trawling The bottom trawling operations have led to dwindling catch for local fishers. The period from April to mid-May is considered a boom time, but this year the boats are returning with very poor catch, says T. Peter, secretary, National Fishworkers Forum. Ms. Antony said the coastal police and Marine Enforcement were keeping a close watch on the situation to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
2016, The Hindu