No respite for fishermen as trawl ban likely post lockdown

MALAPPURAM: The fishermen community in the state, which was called the Army of Kerala during the recent floods, is facing a major crisis as the movement of mechanized fishing boats has been strictly prohibited during the lockdown.
The crisis is likely to worsen even after lifting lockdown, as the government is going to impose trawl ban by the middle of next month.According to the rough estimate by fisheries authorities, around 3.5 lakh fishermen in the state are directly affected by the lockdown restrictions. Traditional boats are allowed to continue fishing during lockdown. It is estimated that in Malappuram district alone, around 25,000 fishermen are forced to stay at home, after the ban imposed on mechanized and inboard engine boats. A total of 197 mechanized boats and 204 boats with inboard engine have been registered in the district.
Among 4,322 traditional boats, only around 600 are venturing into the sea for fishing after the government granted special permission for fishing during lockdown, said K A Rahim, district president of Matsya Thozhilali Union (CITU). “Many families of the community are struggling to make ends meet. Government has announced various aid such as food kits, free ration distribution and a financial aid of Rs 2,000 for each family. But this cannot resolve the issues here permanently. The trawl ban will further worsen situation,” he said. “Around 5,000 fishermen are forced to stay inside home after the lockdown, in Ponnani region alone. The free ration and grocery kits are insufficient to cater to our needs. We need an urgent intervention by government to distribute sufficient food items to the families here,” said Nisar Kolajiyarakath, a fisherman in Ponnani.
Kottayi Bapputty, district president of Matsya Thozhilali Union said that the situation is very pathetic and people are struggling to arrange food item for their family members. “A small group of people are engaged in fishing using traditional boats and they are forced to sell their catch for low prices without auction. We cannot survive if government further extends the lockdown,” he said.