Bhubaneswar: The State Government has imposed a two-month uniform ban on fishing within territorial waters along the State’s entire coastline from today for conservation and effective management of fisheries resources. The fishing will remain effective till June 14.
The Directorate of Fisheries, Cuttack in a letter to the Additional Fisheries Officer (Marine) of Ganjam, Kujanga, Balasore, Puri and the District Fisheries Officer (B&T), Balugaon, called for an immediate ban on fishing for the conservation and effective management of fisheries resources and also for sea safety reasons.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (a) of sub-section – (1) of Section 4 of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act-1982 (Odisha Act of 1982) and having regard to the matters specified in the Sub-Section (2) thereof, the State Government do hereby prohibit fishing within territorial waters along the entire Coastline of Odisha State by all the fishing vessels except traditional fishing crafts, with or without engine from April 15 to June 14 (both days inclusive, 61 days) for conservation and effective management of fisheries resources and also for sea safety reasons,” read the order.
All the fishing vessels with or without engines have been banned except traditional fishing crafts (up to 8.5 meters), the director said.
The fishing ban spans 61 days and fishing though the mechanized boats, big vessels and trawlers will not be allowed in the sea during the period. The traditional fishing crafts (up to 8, 5 meters length) will be allowed for fishing in the sea, officials said.
Awareness was conducted by engaging the Samudra Mitra in the coastal fishermen dominated villages in Ganjam district for effective implementation of the ban order, a marine fishery officer said.