Odisha imposes 2-month fishing ban along sea coast
The Odisha government imposed a two-month fishing ban along the state's coast beginning Saturday to conserve fish stocks in the sea during the breeding season.The Odisha government imposed a two-month fishing ban along the state's coast beginning Saturday to conserve fish stocks in the sea during the breeding season.
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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government imposed a two-month fishing ban along the state's coast beginning Saturday to conserve fish stocks in the sea during the breeding season.
The state government prohibited fishing within territorial waters along the entire coastline by all fishing vessels except traditional fishing crafts (up to 8.5 meters) with or without engine from April 15 to June 14 for 61 days, according to the provisions of the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act.
The Directorate of Fisheries directed the additional fisheries officers of Ganjam, Kujang, Balasore, and Puri, as well as the district fisheries officer of Balugaon, to notify all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the notification during the period.
It added that necessary steps may be taken to make marine fishermen aware of the uniform ban along the Odisha coast.
According to an official, fishermen are instructed not to venture into the sea during the 'fishing ban' period under Section 4 of the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, to avoid disturbances caused by trawl fishing during the breeding season.
The state's Fisheries Department has registered approximately 21,000 fishing vessels, including 2000 trawlers. During the ban, mechanized fishing vessels will be prohibited from entering the sea. Small mechanized and non-mechanized boats under 8.5 meters in length that use nets with large gaps are exempt, he says.
Along the coast of Odisha, the monsoon season is considered the breeding season for nearly 300 species, including the delicious Hilsa. The fishing ban has been lifted for traditional fishermen. They are, however, only permitted to fish in territorial waters and catch pelagic fish.
