Tamil Nadu bans mechanized fishing in coastal areas

Chennai, Apr.17 : The Government of Tamil Nadu has imposed a forty-five day ban on mechanized fishing in the state's coastal areas.

The ban became effective from Wednesday. Mechanized trawlers have been prohibited from venturing out to sea till May 31. However, country boats and catamarans involved in traditional fishing are excluded from the ban.

The ban will be enforced in two different phases along the eastern and western coasts of India during the fish breeding season.

Scientists have reportedly found fish breeding to be active along the eastern coastal belt during April and May, and this information has reportedly to the ban on mechanized fishing.

"Every year, during this period, this ban is imposed to facilitate the fish breeding process," said Subramanium, a fisherman.

Fishermen in the coastal stretch between the districts of Thiruvallur and Kanyakumari have claimed that the 45-day ban would deprive them of their livelihood.

They have urged the government to provide them with alternate employment during the period of the ban.

The ban is likely to affect the livelihood of at least 100,000 fisherfolk.

ANI