The Odisha government has imposed a 61-day fishing ban along the state’s coastline starting today.
The restriction will remain in place until June 14, as part of an annual effort to conserve marine biodiversity and support fish breeding during the spawning season.
Implemented under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), the ban aims to protect fish populations during their most vulnerable reproductive phase. It prohibits fishing by all mechanised boats and trawlers, which are known to cause disruption in the marine ecosystem.
However, traditional non-mechanised fishing boats up to 8.5 meters in length are exempted, allowing small-scale fishermen to continue their livelihood activities in a sustainable manner.
The ban will be enforced across major coastal districts including Ganjam, Kujang, Balasore, and Puri. The Fisheries Department has directed district-level officers to monitor and implement the ban strictly. Violations could attract heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The fishing ban is expected to halt the operations of around 700 trawlers in Paradip alone, directly affecting nearly 5,000 fishermen.
