61-Day Fishing Ban Ends in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: After a two-month-long ban, the fishermen in the State ventured into deep sea to carry out fishing activities with their jetties and trawlers on Friday. The fishermen and others who had left their boats and trawlers anchored in the jetties are now back to various fishing hubs in the State.

Reportedly, the Central Government had imposed a complete ban on fishing in the water bodies in Odisha coastal areas for two months- from April 15 till June 14, for all mechanised boats and trawlers to conserve fish stock during the breeding season. However, the traditional fishermen using small boats were exempted from the ban and allowed to fish in territorial waters.

Thousands of trawlers and boats in coastal areas of Bhadrak and Balasore that had remained non-functional during the ban period were loaded with ice and other fishing equipment. Before entering the sea, the fishermen also worshipped Goddess Ganga for a good business this year.

Similarly, the fishermen of Balaramgadi, Kasafala, Bahabalpur and Talsari jetties have already ventured into deep sea with repaired vessels and large nets.

“Fishing ban was imposed for two months. We have offered puja to the Goddess and hope a good earning comes our way this year,” said Nityananda Behera, a fisherman.

"Seeing the condition of the water, we can assume that fishing will be good and in abundance this year. But more rains would have ensured better business for us," Sanjay Das, member of Balasore Fishermen Association.

It is not for the first time that the fishing ban has been imposed as such restrictions are being imposed as per the directions of the Central Government for the past two decades to ensure conservation of fish during its breeding-period, so that fishermen get the maximum benefit.