Ministry of fisheries rejigs fishing ban period

Mangaluru: The ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying has altered its order of imposing a uniform ban on fisheries in the Indian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) beyond territorial waters – both on the east and west coast of the country. A decision to this effect was taken on May 25 in view of the restrictions in marine fishing activities for 17 days from March 24 to April 10 due to lockdown imposed across India.
The ministry in consultation with experts and the coastal states and union territories and in the interest of the fishermen has decided to supersede its order dated March 20 to impose the uniform ban. The new ban period along the east coast will now be from April 15 to May 31 and along the west coast from June 15 to July 31.
The traditional non-motorized units will be exempted from this 47-days’ uniform fishing ban imposed in Indian EEZ beyond territorial waters, an order from Sanjay Pandey, assistant commissioner (fisheries), said, adding that the amendment in the period of uniform fishing will be applicable only for the current year. Minister for fisheries Kota Shrinivas Poojari welcoming the new ban period said that extending the fishing period up to June 14 will help traditional fishermen.
In a related development, the IMD has warned of a likely development of a low-pressure area over south-east and adjoining east central Arabian Sea and advised fishermen to avoid deep sea fishing activity over the region from May 31 to June 4. Indian Coast Guardauthorities in Panambur have requested boats already at sea to return to harbour prior to the onset of monsoons and adhere to implementation of uniform fishing ban.