A Kerala fisheries raid at harbours in Elankunnapuzha, Ernakulam, has led to the seizure of three fishing boats carrying fish below the permitted size, a combined fine of Rs 7.5 lakh and the auction of 20 tonnes of seized fish for Rs 1.2 lakh.
The action was carried out as part of Operation Paithal, a fisheries department enforcement drive focused on harbour areas. Officials conducted inspections during both daytime and night-time, according to Malayala Manorama’s report on the operation.
One of the boats, named Atlas, was taken into custody during a patrol led by Assistant Director K.P. Grace. A separate team led by Fisheries Extension Officer Sindhu detained two other boats during inspections. The report identified the boats as having been involved in catching undersized fish.
Fisheries Deputy Director P.P. Sindhu imposed a fine of Rs 2.5 lakh on each of the three boats, bringing the total penalty to Rs 7.5 lakh. The department also auctioned the seized fish for Rs 1.2 lakh. The report did not provide details of the species involved or the specific permitted size limits applicable to the catch.
The operation brought together fisheries officials, fisheries guards, coastal police and sea guards. Those named as participating included fisheries guards Aneesh, Coastal Police Officer Jacob, fisheries official Praveen and sea guards Ziad and Udayan.
The enforcement action places the focus on how fishing regulations are monitored at the harbour level. Catching undersized fish is regulated because it involves fish that have not reached the required size under applicable fisheries rules, although the report did not specify the particular rule or legal provision invoked in this case.
The department said inspections would continue across the district’s harbours during both day and night. The ongoing patrols are being conducted under Operation Paithal, with teams led by fisheries officers and supported by coastal enforcement personnel.
