The fishing season for 2018-19 ended in a loss for many mechanised boat owners in north Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts). The annual 61-day fishing ban will be in force from April 15 to June 14 this year. Over 70% of mechanised fishing boats in Visakhapatnam have remained anchored at the fishing harbour in Visakhapatnam since January. This is because fishermen have been complaining of an unusual decrease in catch (fish and prawn) in the Bay of Bengal. The situation is similar in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts, where over 350 mechanised boats have remained anchored at the harbour for months during the peak season following a reduction in catch. Therefore, the industry is already facing a number of challenges even before the annual fishing ban comes into force. There are over 2,000 mechanised fishing boats in the state. President, Dolphin Boat Operators’ Welfare Association, Ch Satyanarayana Murthy said, The once thriving fishing industry is dwindling due to low catch in the Bay of Bengal and skyrocketing diesel prices. With diesel prices touching Rs 72 per litre, a majority of mechanised boat owners in the state are unable to bear the expenditure. The state government is currently giving a subsidy of Rs 6.03 per litre, in consideration of the older price of Rs 38 per litre. Although the TDP government had assured to increase the subsidy to Rs 12 per litre, the government has ignored its promise, said Ch Satyanarayana Murthy.