Sea fishing operations kick start in Odisha

With lifting of government-imposed ban, sea fishing operations got a kick start even as fishing hubs were abuzz with hectic activity along Odisha coast.

In a move to ensure safe and unhindered breeding of sea fish, the Odisha government had clamped a two-month ban on marine fishing operations. The ban order which remained in force from April 15, was lifted yesterday.

The restriction imposed in view of breeding season of fish earlier lasted for 45 days. However, it was extended to 60 days this year as per an order of Union agriculture ministry. The ban was enforced simultaneously in West Bengal, Telengana, and Andhra Pradesh on the eastern coast, a fishery official said.
 

Fishing vessels along with their crew have reappeared along the sea side, marking the beginning of the seasonal fishing trade. "We are geared up to recommence the fishing voyage. Everybody is optimistic of making up the loss due to the fishing ban," said a seagoing fisherman, Soumen Manna.

The annual ban was clamped for larger interest of those living on fishing activity. The restriction is imposed every year to allow breeding of fish population. Ban on sea fishing was promulgated under Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, said Deputy Director (Marine Fisheries) Pratap R Rout.

Those living on fishing and ancillary activities had been badly hit by the ban. Over 1,000 mechanised boats, besides trawlers and medium and small-size motorised boats, which operate from Paradip fisheries harbour, were left idle. Bereft of alternative income sources, the fish workers and vendors were left to fend themselves, said seagoing fishermen union spokesman, Tushar Sardar.

Fish merchants from West Bengal have already arrived in Paradip to purchase fish from the fishermen. Similarly, seafood exporters of the state opened their offices and fish collection centres to purchase fish and prawn from the fishermen, said Sumanta Biswal, the president of Trawler Owners' Association of Paradip.

The state government had also imposed 'fishing ban' from November 1 to May 31 off the coast of districts of Kendrapara from Gahiramatha to Hukitola covering 35 kms to protect the annual migration of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles to the Odisha coast for mating and laying eggs.