There are gross violations of the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act (TNMFRA), 1983, and its high time for law enforcement agencies to check them, according to S.G. Gayes, president, Thoothukudi District Country Boat Fishermen Association. The Act came into force only to safeguard traditional fishing by country boats, but unfortunately the regulations specified in it had not been followed, he told The Hindu here on Monday. Fisheries Department officials should ensure that all mechanised boats followed measurement and engine power specifications strictly. CCTV cameras Closed circuit TV cameras should be installed at Thoothukudi fishing harbour to record entry time of each boat so that it could be checked whether they were fishing only from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mr. Gayes also said mechanised boats should engage in fishing beyond five nautical miles from the shore and unregistered boats should not be allowed to venture into the sea. Similarly, boats built in government-recognised yards alone should be allowed to enter the sea. He also sought action against some officials neglecting violations and favouring erring boat operators. He demanded formation of an exclusive monitoring committee comprising officials of the Departments of Revenue, Police, Fisheries and representatives of the association. The association members submitted a petition to Collector N. Venkatesh in this regard.