Fishing ban over, now business as usual

Surjit Kumar Dhal,PARADIP, JUNE 16: After a two-month long ban on fishing, Paradip harbour is again abuzz with activities. Thousands of fishermen in around 800 trawlers and mechanised boats sailed into the sea Friday midnight.

The Central Government had imposed a complete ban on fishing in the water bodies in Odisha’s coastal areas for two months from April 15 to June 14 for all mechanised boats and trawlers to conserve fish stock during the breeding season.

It is not for the first time that the fishing ban was imposed. Such restrictions are being imposed by the Centre for the past two decades to ensure conservation of fish during breeding period,so that fishermen get the maximum benefit.

Usually, the ban is intended to ensure safe breeding.

The ban goes a long way in increasing the fish population. Following adequate precaution, there is sharp decrease in the quantum of fishes over the last few years, which had shown a declining trend due to industrial pollution and climatic issues.