In Kerala, the one and a half month long ban on trawling along the state's coast comes into effect from midnight tonight. The ban will remain in force for 47 days till July 31. Over 4000 boats in the state will remain idle during this period. The Kerala government has ordered boats from other states to leave from the state's coast before the ban takes effect. It has announced that fishermen rendered jobless during the ban period will be given free ration. The annual ban, started in 1988, is considered an important step in the sustainable development of fish resources in Arabian Sea. Trawling is not allowed during monsoon as it would disrupt fish breeding activity.