Fishing boat owners in Kozhikode district have urged the Fisheries department to increase security and surveillance at all harbours to prevent thefts from anchored boats during the trawling ban period.
Citing several incidents of theft at various anchored boats at Puthiyappa and Beypore harbours in previous years, they stated that the authorities’ negligence in tightening security measures had created a significant financial burden on the operators.
“At least some additional security arrangements should be made at Beypore harbour, where the number of anchored mechanised boats is currently much higher compared to other smaller harbours,” said K. Rashid, a local fishing boat owner. He added that the harbour presently lacks adequate facilities to ensure the safety of docked boats.
The fishers also demanded the removal of illegally parked vehicles from harbour premises, pointing to the growing space crunch. They alleged that many motorists, including heavy truck drivers, were misusing the harbour area as a permanent parking space.
“In Kozhikode district alone, the trawling ban will impact 552 mechanised boats and 5,098 fishing boats fitted with outboard engines. There is not enough space to anchor all these vessels safely during the ban period,” said a senior member of the All Kerala Fishing Boat Owners Association. He said that despite the number of registered fishing boats—including country boats—crossing 6,200, harbour facilities have not been adequately upgraded.
Meanwhile, Fisheries department officials said that the concerns raised by fishers and boat owners have been conveyed to the district administration. They added that arrangements are in place to ensure the timely disbursal of various benefits, including free ration, to eligible fishermen’s families during the trawling ban.
Published – June 09, 2025 06:41 pm IST
