Mangaluru: Coastal Security Police and the Coast Guard, in a joint operation, impounded two boats and detained 22 fishermen, who were engaged in fishing activity near Mangaluru in violation of trawling ban orders, police said today.

The two Tamil Nadu-based mechanized boats were found fishing ten nautical miles off Panambur coast yesterday, they said.

The fishermen were handed over to the deputy director at the Fisheries department for further action and the official imposed a fine of Rs. 3.5 lakh for violating the trawling ban.

The fish catch in the boats was auctioned for Rs. one lakh.

The boats and fishermen would be released after payment of the fine, police said.