Visakhapatnam: A 61-day fishing ban was imposed on the eastern coast from midnight Monday to June 15. The ban aims to protect fish and shrimp during its reproductive season.
Authorities have arranged an arrangement to enforce the ban, prohibiting the use of electric boats to fish for two months. Rafts are allowed to fish because they don’t interfere with the water too much.
The ban will affect fishermen who rely on sea fish to sell their livelihoods. The price of dried fish has soared. Fisherwoman Parvathi told Deccan Chronicle that the price of Dried Nethallu fish has risen from Rs 500 to Rs 800 per kg, while the price of dried shrimp is now at Rs 100-150 per kg.
Mylapalli Ernamma, secretary of Visakha Town Fisherwomen Dry Fish Cooperative, expressed concern about the challenges of dry fish processing during this period. Raw materials are now scarce, forcing them to rely entirely on existing stocks.
The Visakha town fishery and fishery dry fish cooperative includes 164 fishermen who produce 8 tons of dried fish a day. The fishing port in Visakhapatnam can accommodate 700 non-engine ships and 1,000 engine ships, while the Anakapalle district has 2360 engines and rafts. Now, fishing is only possible on rafts, as protection is the goal.
Historically, fishermen have received free rice as support during the fishing ban. Now, they get cash assistance. Under the Matsakara Bharosa plan, the coalition government announced Rs 20,000 in help to qualified fishermen in May.
Authorities have warned of legal action to prevent those who violate the ban, stressing the need for compliance to prevent these individuals from losing their benefits.
