Fisherfolks across the State have threatened to launch an agitation if trawlers with LED lights and purse seine net are not taken out of the sea within a week. They said the protest aims at saving marine species, and demanded action against the fisheries department, who, they alleged, is helping trawler owners defy the ban by the Centre and the State. Trawlers with LED machine are illegally operating across the coastal line. The Centre has banned the practice and has instructed the coast guard to not allow them. The fisheries department is refraining from taking action, Damodar Tandel, president, Maharashtra Macchhimar Kruti Samiti, said. On Tuesday, a meeting was held between representatives of fisherfolks associations and Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam, and Fisheries Minister Mahadev Jankar. Yes, we had a meeting. This type of fishing is banned, but the practice continues. We have directed officials to take action against those who are flouting the norms, Mr. Jankar said. According to an order issued by Fisheries Commissioner Govind Bodke, licence of those, who are illegally operating, will be revoked. Such type of fishing poses a threat to the marine ecosystem. Purse seine net is banned because it not only catches regular fishes, but eggs and smaller fish also, Mr. Tandel said. Fisherfolks in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and areas adjoining Mumbai such as Vasai, Uttan, have voiced their support to the demonstration. We will take matters into our own hand if the government fails to take action, Mr. Tandel said. The LED stream passes up to two kilometres under water, attracting fishes. Over 400 such trawlers are collecting fishes worth ?4 crore every day.