Odisha’s 60-Day Fishing Ban Begins April 15 to Safeguard Marine Ecosystems

Kendrapada: In a bid to protect marine biodiversity during the critical breeding season, the Odisha government will enforce a 60-day fishing ban along the state’s coastline starting Tuesday, April 15. The restriction, which lasts till June 15, aims to conserve marine life by preventing large-scale fishing activities during spawning.

Under the ban, all mechanised fishing vessels and trawlers must halt operations and remain docked at their respective harbours and jetties by midnight of April 14. The regulation is enforced annually under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, and affects nearly 21,000 fishing boats, including 2,000 trawlers registered with the state’s Fisheries Department.

Assistant Fisheries Officer of Paradip, Bijay Kar, reiterated that venturing into the sea with banned vessels during the restriction period is strictly prohibited. “Strict action will be taken against violators,” he said, adding that awareness campaigns have already been conducted in fishing villages to educate the community about the law and its ecological importance.

To cushion the economic impact on local fishing communities, the government has announced a compensation of ₹15,000 each for approximately 15,000 marine fishermen from Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts, who are among the most affected by the seasonal halt.

Exemptions have been granted to non-mechanised and small mechanised boats under 8.5 metres in length, but their operations must remain within territorial waters and are restricted to catching only pelagic species, which dwell in the upper layers of the ocean.

This seasonal fishing embargo, observed annually, plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable fishing practices, preserving marine species, and supporting the long-term health of Odisha’s coastal ecosystems.