Fishermen warned against bull trawling

Udupi: Clamping down on  bull trawling and light fishing, which allegedly threatens fish breeding, the Udupi district administration has beefed up surveillance in the local fishing harbour. The fishermen have been warned of strict action including cancellation of diesel subsidy if they continue to engage in these activities.

Light fishing is done by mechanized purse seine boats that go on fishing during the night by focusing powerful lights on the water. Attracted by this light, fish come to the surface and get caught in the net. In bull trawling or pair trawling, a net is tied between two big boats and is dragged (trawled) to catch fish. The government has already banned these types of fishing. Despite the ban, some fishermen continue to practice them.