60-Day Fishing Ban Begins Along Odisha Coast

Bhubaneswar: The annual 60-day fishing ban along Odisha’s 484-kilometre coastline came into effect on April 15, aiming to protect marine life during the peak breeding season. The restriction, enforced under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, will remain in place until June 14.

During this period, all mechanised fishing boats and trawlers are prohibited from venturing into the sea. “All such vessels were instructed to return to their respective jetties and harbours by midnight of April 14. No one is allowed to go into the sea during this period,” said Bijay Kar, Assistant Fisheries Officer, Paradip.

The ban impacts around 21,000 fishing vessels, including 2,000 registered trawlers, across the state. However, non-mechanised and small mechanised boats under 8.5 metres in length are permitted to operate within territorial waters, and only for catching pelagic species.

The seasonal restriction aligns with the breeding period of over 300 marine species, including the prized Hilsa fish, to allow fish populations to regenerate by preventing the capture of breeding fish and juveniles.

To ensure compliance, the Fisheries Department has launched awareness drives in coastal villages and warned of strict action against violators.