61-day fishing ban lifted in Paradip, harbour abuzz with activities

With the two-month-long fishing ban lifted, Paradip harbour – one of the largest fishing harbours in Odisha – is abuzz again with activities. Hundreds of fishermen were seen venturing into the sea once again with their trawlers after the ban was lifted.

The 61-day fishing ban was clamped from April 15 to June 14. However, the ban continued in a few specific parts of the sea. 

As the DRDO, Chandipur is scheduled to undertake some examinations, the fishermen have been banned from venturing into the few restricted areas till 4PM, reports said.

In a bid to spread awareness about the restricted areas, the Coast Guard and Fisheries Department visited the slums nearby and alerted the locals. The ban was clamped to ensure a safe and hassle-free breeding of sea fish and ensure in increase in the fish population.

With the ban being lifted, fishermen and trawler owners are hopeful of a bumper catch this month. Meanwhile, seafood exporters and fish merchants from West Bengal have started flocking to Paradip to buy fish and prawns from the fishermen.

The fishermen are keen on earning enough profits before they once again get affected after the arrival of the rainy season.