The Tamil Nadu government's annual 61-day fishing ban came into effect on Monday, effectively bringing the coastal fishing industry to a halt. The ban aims to conserve marine resources and promote sustainable fishing practices. The ban covers areas of Bay of Bengal, Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar. The fishing ban is being enforced from April 15 to June 14, which is the peak breeding season.
The weather ban is part of the government's efforts to protect marine resources and enhance fisheries. The ban helps replenish fish stocks, giving them a chance to spawn and grow, which ultimately benefits the fishing industry and ecosystem.
Ever since the ban on fishing in Rameswaram came into force on Tuesday, fishermen have safely parked their boats anchored on the shore and left busy fishing ports.
This ban is an important step towards responsible fisheries management, balancing the needs of fishers with the need to protect marine resources for future generations. While this ban may cause short-term economic losses to fishermen, it contributes to long-term sustainability and increased fishery productivity. Fishing bans help maintain the health of the marine ecosystem, support biodiversity and ensure a stable income source for fishermen in the long run.
However, the ban has severely affected the livelihoods of local fishing communities, especially those living in poverty due to the Sri Lankan Navy's violations. They cannot go fishing for long periods of time and suffer without employment and income during the suspension. Keeping this in mind, the government has announced a relief of Rs 8,000 to each fishing family during the suspension period. However, the fishermen have urged the Tamil Nadu government to increase the suspension relief to Rs 15,000.