In all these writ petitions, the petitioners have challenged the notifications issued by the 1st respondent-Union Government bearing S.O.No.665(e) dated 11.7.2001 and S.O.No.1197(E) dated 5.12.2001.

2.The petitioners are fishermen doing fishing activities with the help of some mechanized boats. There are about 650 varieties of Sea Cucumbers and out of which 200 varieties are found in Tamil Nadu coastal areas. According to the petitioners, among them, Holothuria Scabra, Holothuria Spinifera, Holothuria Arta are the major catching varieties in Tamil Nadu and they are the main sources of income to the fishing community. Even according to the petitioners, there is a ban with reference to the catching of Sea Cucumber of sizes below 3 inches, from 1982 and so the petitioners have come forward with these writ petitions challenging the impugned notifications banning the fishing of several varieties of fishes.

3.Heard Mr.Gladys Daniel, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, Mr.N.Muralikumaran, learned Addl., Central Govt., Standing Counsel appearing for 1st respondent-Union Government and Mrs. Selvi George, learned counsel appearing for the 2nd respondent.

4.Learned counsel