Bhubaneswar: Aimed at protecting marine life during breeding season, the Fisheries department has imposed a ban on sea fishing effecting from April 15. Thousands of fisherfolk along coastal belt are bracing for a tough two months due to the restriction which will prohibit fishermen from venturing into the sea until June 14.
The ban affects around 21,000 fishing vessels, including 2,000 trawlers, registered with the Fisheries department. Families dependent on daily catches will face a sudden loss of income, with no immediate alternative means of sustenance.
To mitigate the impact, the Fisheries department will provide Rs 15,000 compensation to around 15,000 affected marine fishermen in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts.
Small mechanised and non-mechanised boats under 8.5 metres are exempt from the ban, but their activities will be restricted to territorial waters, and they can only catch pelagic fish. The department has conducted awareness campaigns in fishing villages and warned of action against those violating the ban
The move is implemented under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act of 1982, highlighting the state’s commitment to conserving marine resources.
