Despite strict regulatory measures, destructive fishing practices using LED devices are causing irreparable damage to the marine ecosystem across Kollam coast.

Reportedly, many boats including trawlers, employ high-power artificial lights to aggregate fish schools and ensure a good catch. Traditional fishers who use sustainable methods say this practice is leading to the depletion of marine resources and threatening their livelihoods.

Fisheries department during a recent crackdown on illegal fishing had taken strict action against boats using high-intensity lights. “The practice is damaging the marine environment and affecting the fish population. In a joint inspections conducted with Marine Enforcement, we had seized various equipment used for illegal fishing that includes aggregates, batteries, high-intensity lights and ropes,” said an official. The department had also carried out inspections at harbours and action was taken against boats that violated norms. “The inspections will continue in the coming days and legal action will be taken against violators under the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act (KMFRA),” he said.

According to traditional fishers, boats using ring seine nets continue to use LED devices despite the ban and this along with other illegal practices are knocking them out of business. They also allege that many boats from Thiruvananthapurm and several purse seine fishing vessels engage in this practice, which has led to conflicts and disputes among fishers.

They point out that overfishing with the help of LED devices will lead to the depletion of fish stocks, negatively impacting the sustainability of the fishing sector. “LED light fishing means the catch will have a lot of juvenile and non-targeted marine organisms. The traditional fishing community in Kollam coast is facing a serious challenge as this will affect the long-term health of marine environment. Illegal practices damage and destroy habitats, impacting local fishers who rely on that,” they said. Traditional fishers demand more enforcement measures, including regular patrolling, to end the practice.