Cabinet Decision · Law & Order
Notification issuing a trawling ban in the sea along the Kerala coast from 10.06.2026 to 31.07.2026. ...
2026-06-06 · G.O. (P)13/2026/F&PD · Fisheries and Ports
Summary
The Government of Kerala has issued a notification imposing a 52-day ban on bottom trawling along the state's coastline. This measure is intended to conserve marine fish wealth, protect the livelihoods of traditional fishermen, and ensure safety during the monsoon season. The ban is effective from June 10, 2026, to July 31, 2026.
Key points
- Imposes a 52-day ban on bottom trawling along the Kerala coast.
- Effective period: June 10, 2026, to July 31, 2026 (inclusive).
- Aims to conserve fish wealth and protect traditional fishing crafts.
- Addresses law and order concerns and safety during monsoon weather.
Full English text
GOVERNMENT OF KERALA Fisheries and Ports (B) Department NOTIFICATION G.O. (P) No.13/2026 /F&P Dated, Thiruvananthapuram, 06th June, 2026 23rd Idavam, 1201 S. R. O. No. 554/2026 WHEREAS, clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 (Act 10 of 1981) read with rule 4 of the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2018, empowers the Government to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the use of such fishing gear in any specified area, as may be prescribed and sub-section (2) of section 4 of the said Act stipulates the ground for invoking the powers under sub-section (1) of section 4 of the said Act; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Kerala are convinced of the need to ban bottom trawling in the sea along the entire coastline of Kerala for conserving the fish wealth and thereby to protect the interest of persons engaged in fishing, particularly those engaged in fishing using traditional fishing crafts such as catamarans, country crafts and canoes; AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and regulate fishing on a scientific basis; AND WHEREAS, it is imperative to maintain law and order in the sea and offshore of Kerala coast; AND WHEREAS, there is need to avoid loss of human life and property due to accidents in the sea during squally weather conditions; NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub section (1) of section 4 of the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 (Act 10 of 1981) read with rule 4 of the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2018, the Government of Kerala hereby prohibit the use of bottom trawls in the sea, along the entire coastline of the State of Kerala within the area specified under G.O (P). NO. 136/84/PWF&PD dated the 30th November, 1984, published as S.R.O No. 1496/84 in the Kerala Gazette Extra Ordinary No. 1055 dated the 3rd December, 1984 for a period of 52 days with effect from the 10th day of June, 2026 to the 31st day of July, 2026 (both days inclusive). By order of the Governor, ABDUL NASAR B I A S SPECIAL SECRETARY