61-day annual ban on fishing begins

Kakinada: The 61-day annual ban on deep sea fishing along the sea coast came into force from Friday. The ban, enforced by the district administration through Fisheries Department, is aimed at facilitating breeding of fishes and conservation of fish stock in marine ecology. The enforcement would remain in effect from April 15 till June 14.

• Govt to sanction compensation to all hit by fishing ban
• The ban is aimed at facilitating breeding of fishes and conservation of fish stock in marine ecology
• During the ban period, work on mending nets and overhauling of boats anchored at the fishing harbour will be taken up

Hundreds of fishermen, directly and indirectly, dependent on fishing for their livelihood are a worried lot with the annual fishing conservation also came into force in the district. Fisheries Department and its coordinating agencies would be involved in enforcing the ban and monitoring compliance.

Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea so as to avoid disturbances caused by trawlers to marine organisms during the breeding season. The government has issued orders for payment of Rs 4,000 per family of boat crew as compensation. This has been increased from Rs 2,000 distributed last time. East Godavari district has 96 habitations of fishermen spread over 13 sea coast mandals.

There are total 4,000 mechanised and motorised boats being operated in the district. The beneficiaries have to submit Aadhaar, ration card and bank account copies to claim compensation. East Godavari fisheries deputy director T Kalyanam said "We have identified more than 17,000 fishermen who are entirely dependent on fishing.

He said the identified fishermen either directly or indirectly affected by the ban have been enumerated for benefits. “We will release the amount as per government norms to all eligible persons,” he added. He said the department has submitted a list to government agencies so that the affected people could avail benefits.

When contacted Kakinada rural MLA P Anatalakshmi said the relief assistance should be provided within the period and there should not be any delay in providing it as the fishermen had no alternative source of livelihood. She said the affected families are entitled to all benefits.

Bandana Rambabu, leader of fishermen community from U-Kothapalli in the district and chairman of ‘Bandana Charitable Trust’, sought increase in compensation to the persons, who would be rendered jobless during the ban period. He said it is the responsibility of the authorities to provide succour during the ban period as it will render them jobless. The government should take the fishermen’s livelihood issues more seriously, he added.