Udupi Deputy Commissioner K Vidya Kumari has officially prohibited bull trawling and light-based fishing techniques across the district’s coastal waters. The directive follows a Karnataka High Court decision that upheld the central government’s stance against unscientific fishing methods.
Exercising her authority, the DC declared that fishing using bull or pair trawling methods—whether within territorial waters or in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—is now strictly forbidden. The order also bans the use of surface or underwater lights, including halogen and LED lamps, fish attractors, and any similar equipment used with mechanised boats or motorised fishing crafts for trawling, purse seining, or gill netting.
The district administration warned that any violation of this directive would be treated as a breach of the Karnataka Marine Fishing (Regulation) Act, 1986, and classified as a cognisable offence under the Karnataka Police Act. Fishermen using these banned practices will face strict legal consequences, including possible contempt of court charges.
The fisheries department further clarified that violators risk temporary suspension of boat registrations and stoppage of subsidised diesel supply. Repeat offenders may permanently lose their vessel registrations, officials confirmed.
This step is aimed at preserving marine biodiversity and encouraging sustainable fishing practices in the region.
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