Udupi: Fishermen’s Deep Sea Trawl Boat Association Malpe opined that The government must ban the use of small size fish nets, bull trawl boats and high voltage lights at night while fishing. Kishore Survarna from the Fishermen’s Deep Sea Trawl Boat Association Malpe said that the associaton pressurized the government to enforce stern laws on violaters.

"The government, fishing department and research department should take strict measures on those who violate fishing regulations. The central and state governments must impose a ban on sale of small sized fish nets. More than 1000 deep sea trawls are in operation in Udupi. The fishermen here have voluntarily discontinued the use of small size fish nets."

"The government should recommend and make the use 30 mm size nets compulsory instead of 16 mm as these nets will result in depletion in fish breeding. This must be stopped. In August, fishermen should go in for deep sea fishing.
1.5 crore people in the nation are dependant on fisheries for their livelihood and only 15 factories are manufacturing nets. The use of small sized nets will adversely affect the lives of the fishermen," added Kishore Suvarna.

The Deep Sea Trawl Boat Association members pressurized the fishing department, Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Cochin to take strict action on any lawbreaker.