The government is considering a proposal to impose motor restrictions on fishing vessels operating within territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline to prevent over-exploitation of marine resources. Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma said here on Monday that only boats up to 250 hp would be permitted to operate in the area under the proposal. Vessels with higher engine power would have to seek fishing grounds beyond territorial limits, she said while addressing a meeting of fishworkers’ unions and boat owners. She said the government was planning to introduce a district-level mechanism to curb the exploitation of fishworkers and remove the restrictions on fish landing and auction.