Traffic came to a standstill for over two hours at Kalamukku Junction on Friday evening as traditional fishermen staged a dramatic protest against the use of banned pelagic trawls by illegal fishing boats. This crucial junction connects mainland Kochi to the northern islands through the Goshree Bridge, and the blockade significantly impacted vehicular movement.
The protest erupted when fishermen, frustrated by government inaction, took to blocking the route and even laid siege to the shipping channel for 10 minutes. The demonstrators were responding to the government’s failure to address the issue of trawling boats using banned pelagic nets, which are causing severe depletion of fish stocks along Kerala’s coast.
Earlier in the day, the fishermen had intercepted two trawling boats, **Star Meen** and **St Ann**, both of which were found using pelagic nets within the state’s territorial waters. These boats were handed over to the fisheries department. In response to the ongoing issue, the fisheries department director has scheduled a meeting with the traditional fishermen for Saturday to discuss their concerns.
“Pellagic nets are banned by both the state and Union governments due to their destructive impact on marine life,” explained P V Jayan, General Secretary of the Kerala Parambaragatha Matsya Thozhilali Samithi. “These nets catch vast amounts of fish, including juveniles, and are depleting our waters. Despite our warnings, the authorities have done little to curb this practice, forcing us to take drastic measures.”
The protestors had also reported spotting four boats using banned nets within 12 nautical miles, the area reserved for traditional fishermen. Although they managed to apprehend two boats, others managed to evade capture.
The traffic block at Kalamukku Junction began around 2 p.m. and was lifted by 4 p.m. after intervention by the fisheries deputy director for Ernakulam zone. The temporary closure affected all vehicles except ambulances and emergency services.
The fishermen’s action underscores the growing frustration among local fishing communities over the government’s perceived indifference to their plight. As the fisheries department prepares for a crucial meeting, the outcome will be closely watched by both the fishing community and local residents who rely on this vital transportation route.
