Nagapattinam/Karaikal: The annual 45-day ban on fishing in Nagapattinam and Karaikal coastal areas will commence from April 15.
The governments of Tamil Nadu and Puduchery have imposed the ban under provisions of the Deep sea Fishing Regulation Act, 2001. Every year, between April 15 and May 29, engine propelled trawlers are not allowed for fishing activities.
This ban coincides with the spawning season for fish, during which they release eggs. As trawlers use fishing nets with small gaps, eggs and young ones would be caught in the net, leading to resource depletion.
The ban is in line with international standards and practices.
Countries like Spain,Australia and USA impose similar bans every year.In India,it was Kerala which first imposed the ban aiming at resource conservation in 1988. Other coastal states followed suit.
Though the annual ban leads to 45 days loss of income, it is considered necessary. Fishermen dependent on trawlers utilise this time to maintain and repair the boats and nets.
While trawlers face the ban,catamarans and fibreglass boat boats are exempted from the ban. The nets used by the fishermen in catamarans are different from those used by the trawlers. The nets of catamarans have big gaps and the young fish and eggs will not be caught.
Meanwhile, Nagapattinam District Collector T Munusamy has directed all mechanised trawlers venturing into the sea to return to shore before Apr 15 and warned of stern action if they violate the ban.
PTI
