Chennai, 15 April (H.S.): A 61-day annual fishing ban has come into effect in Tamil Nadu, halting coastal fishing activities to conserve marine resources and promote sustainable fishing practices. The ban, effective from April 15th to June 14th, covers the Bay of Bengal, Palk Bay, and Gulf of Mannar regions, coinciding with the peak breeding season for many fish species.

The Tamil Nadu government implements this seasonal ban to protect marine ecosystems, support biodiversity, and ensure the long-term health of fish populations, which ultimately benefits the fishing industry. While the ban results in short-term economic losses for fishermen, it is crucial for long-term sustainability and increased fishery productivity.

In Rameswaram, the usually bustling fishing ports are now deserted as fishermen have anchored their boats safely ashore. The government has announced a relief of ₹8,000 per fishing family to mitigate the financial impact of the ban. However, some fishermen’s associations have requested an increase in this relief amount to ₹15,000.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary