Paradip: In order to protect the marine life during the crucial spawning season, a two-month ban on fishing along Odisha coast has been imposed.
The two-month ban has been implemented under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act of 1982. As the restriction period is beginning from tomorrow, the fishermen have been strictly prohibited from venturing into the sea along state’s 484-km coastline for the next 60 days.
Though boats under 8.5 metres have been exempted from the ban, they have been directed to operate only in territorial waters and target pelagic species till June 15.
According to sources, around 21,000 vessels, including 2,000 registered trawlers, will be affected by the two-month ban. However, the administrations of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts have decided to give compensation to over 15,000 fishermen.
Each fisherman will be given a compensation of Rs 15,000 for losing their livelihood during the 60-day ban period, added the sources.
