In a stringent move against unlawful fishing practices, authorities in Rameswaram registered cases against 24 boats on Tuesday under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act for deploying banned fishing nets. The Fisheries Department officials revealed that the implicated boats were making use of Pair Trawl nets, which are prohibited under the regulations.
FIRs (First Information Reports) have been officially lodged against the boats, signalling a formal initiation of legal proceedings. An ongoing investigation is currently in progress to ascertain the extent of the violation. In response to these infringements, authorities have taken decisive measures, announcing the suspension of subsidies and diesel for the implicated boats. Additionally, no tokens will be issued to the offenders.
Once the investigation is concluded, the authorities plan to impose penalties on the violators. The crackdown is part of the concerted efforts to enforce fishing regulations and promote sustainable practices in the region. Authorities are committed to ensuring the adherence to fishing regulations to protect marine ecosystems and maintain the livelihoods of the fishing community.