Even as the marine enforcement squad and the Coastal Police have claimed of an intensified patrol along the coastline, fishermen and fishing boat owners in Kozhikode have expressed displeasure over the increasing presence of boats and fishers from other States, who allegedly resort to illegal fishing methods. The demand for action against such illegal practices has come at a time when local fishers are witnessing a huge drop in daily catch and active working days owing to unexpected climate change.
“High-beam lights are being used by fishers from other States, depleting fishing resources. Pair trawling using double nets has also made a re-entry,” said Abdul Majeed, a fisherman from the Chombala harbour.
He added that enforcement squads mostly targeted local fishermen. Some fishing boats reportedly cross the permitted distance from the shore for fishing.
