KOCHI: The fisheries department in the district plans to beef up sea patrolling after a fishing vessel that engaged in juvenile fishing was impounded last week.The motorized fishing vessel ‘Noureen Mol’ had caught about 3,000kg of threadfin breams (kilimeen) which was under the minimum legal size prescribed by the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation (KMFR) Act, 1980. patrolling team impounded the vessel during the patrolling at Munambam harbour on Thursday.The department imposed a penalty of Rs 2.5 lakh on the boat owner. “The seized fishes under minimum legal size were destroyed,” Joice said. Fishes above minimum legal size were auctioned for Rs 30,000, officials said.“As the part of intensifying the patrolling, more frequent checks will be conducted across the coastal areas and harbours, and action will be taken against those violating the rules and regulations of KMFR Act,” said Ernakulam deputy director of fisheries S Mahesh.The Thursday’s seizure was the 12th case of catching fishes under minimum legal size in this year. The department has collected around Rs 17 lakh from 13 juvenile fishing cases.According to officials, action against offenders will be taken only if the quantity of fish under minimum legal size is above 30% in the catch.

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