Fishermen in Kerala, India's southwestern coastal state, are urging the government to take decisive action against unsustainable fishing practices, calling for a ban on pelagic trawling and stricter enforcement of laws against juvenile fishing, reports The Hindu. 

In a direct appeal to Kerala's chief minister, the fishermen, represented by the Independent Fishermen's Union, claim that rampant illegal fishing in the northern districts is depleting fish stocks and harming their livelihoods.

They claim that undersized fish, which are vital to the ecosystem, are being caught in large numbers and sent to fish meal factories in a neighboring state in violation of rules that regulate the minimum legal size for a catch. The fishermen called for stronger enforcement, urging the government to appoint enough personnel to monitor fishing boats and ensure compliance with regulations.

The union also demanded a total ban on pelagic trawling, which it argues is harmful to the marine ecosystem. In addition to these demands, it requested two months of financial relief for fishermen who are struggling to make ends meet during the off-season.