Odisha enforces 61-day fishing ban along 484-km coast to protect breeding season

The Odisha government on Wednesday enforced a 61-day ban on marine fishing along the state’s 484-km coastline , a seasonal conservation measure aimed at protecting fish during their peak breeding and spawning season .

The restriction will remain in force from April 15 to June 14 , covering the entire coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Officials said the annual ban is designed to help fish populations regenerate and maintain long-term sustainability of marine resources in the region.

The prohibition applies mainly to mechanised fishing vessels and trawlers , which are barred from venturing into the sea during the period. Across the state, more than 6,000 mechanised boats, including about 1,726 trawlers , will remain docked as part of the regulation.

Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against violators , including seizure of fishing vessels, fines and other legal measures under the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act .

Rabi Narayan Patnaik, Joint Director of the state Fisheries Department (Marine), said the measure is implemented every year to ensure fish breed without disturbance. “The restriction is imposed every year to allow breeding of fishes. It is aimed at the greater interest of the fisherfolk, as it leads to a larger yield,” he said.

However, the ban is expected to affect the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen across coastal districts such as Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Puri, where many families depend on daily marine catch for income. Estimates suggest around 50,000 fishermen may be impacted during the two-month halt in mechanised fishing.

To reduce hardship, officials said financial assistance of about ₹15,000 will be provided to affected fishermen in some coastal districts during the lean period.

The Fisheries Department clarified that traditional fishing boats up to 8.5 metres in length are exempt from the ban, allowing small-scale fishermen to continue limited operations in near-shore waters.

The seasonal restriction also forms part of a uniform 61-day fishing ban implemented across India’s eastern coast , covering states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to protect marine life in the Bay of Bengal during the spawning season.

Officials said the ban coincides with the breeding cycle of over 300 marine species , making it crucial for maintaining healthy fish stocks and sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities in the long run.