The annual fishing ban period, which starts from April 15 to June 14, aims to sustain the fishing industry in Visakhapatnam and the surrounding areas. During this 61-day period, a total of 1,978 boats, comprising 675 mechanised and 1,303 motorised boats, will be anchored along the 24-km-long Visakhapatnam coast.
Boat Anchoring Locations
The boat anchoring locations for the 61-day fishing ban period are as follows:
| Boat Type | Number of Boats | Boat Anchoring Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanised Boats | 675 | Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour |
| Motorised Boats | 1,303 | |
| Non-Motorised Boats | 449 |
Communications with Fishermen
Assistant Director Visakhapatnam Fisheries Department Vijaya Krishna has assured fishermen that they have communicated with them to follow the ban on deep sea fishing to ensure good catches in the post-ban period.
“We have informed the fishermen about the fishing ban and its importance to sustain the fishing industry. We have also warned them about the penalties for violating the ban, including seizure of boats and catches, and suspension of government subsidies and benefits.”
— Vijaya Krishna, Assistant Director Visakhapatnam Fisheries Department
Financial Challenges for Fishermen
Due to the fishing ban, fishermen are facing financial challenges and have yet to receive the Matsyakara Bharosa’s financial aid of ₹ 20,000 for last year. The Federation of Indian Fisher Organisations general secretary Arjili Dasu has expressed concerns about the delay in receiving financial aid, stating that fishermen are more likely to engage in non-fishing works to meet their temporary financial needs.
As per the fisheries department officials, fishermen would get fish ban incentives every year in the month of May or June under the Matsyakara Bharosa. However, this year’s financial aid has also not reached the fishermen, who are struggling to make ends meet.
Part-time Jobs for Fishermen
With the ban, fishermen are turning to part-time jobs in bars, restaurants, and other daily wage work to meet their financial needs. Mylapalli Kantarao, a fisherman at Visakhapatnam fishing harbour, has joined a bar and restaurant as a part-time worker, earning ₹1,000 per day. However, he still enjoys fishing only.
Another fisherman from the Gajuwaka assembly segment has also taken up part-time work, stating that he had joined political parties as a party worker during the 2019 and 2024 elections due to the lack of financial aid from the government. This time, he has no such offers.
Exemptions for Non-Motorised Boats
Of the 449 non-motorised boats exempted from the ban, 20 traditional boats belong to the Vishakhapatnam fishing harbour. The rest belong to Bheemili and other beaches in the district.
Conclusion
The annual fishing ban period is aimed at sustaining the fishing industry in Visakhapatnam and the surrounding areas. While fishermen are facing financial challenges and have yet to receive financial aid, they are turning to part-time jobs to meet their needs.
