The 61-day ban on fishing came into force from zero hours on Sunday following a circular issued by the Union ministry of agriculture. Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour has nearly 800 mechanised boats. As per the ban, mechanized boats are barred from venturing out in the sea till June 14, which will be the time for the onset of southwest monsoon. If any mechanised boat violates the order, we will seize the vessel and slap a large penalty on the boat owner, said a fisheries officer, while adding that the ban is applicable to the entire east coast.Earlier the ban was limited to 40-45 days, but from the last one year the ban was extended to 61 days due to boost in the fish population, said Arjili Dasu, executive director of Visakhapatnam Youth Fishermen Welfare Association. Dasu said that government should give a subsidy on fuel as the present price of diesal, which is between Rs 65 and Rs 70 is adversely affecting the business of the fishermen. Sources reveal that boatmen require approximately 200 litres of fuel per day. He further said that apart from part-time jobs, the fishermen use the two months hiatus to repair and renovate their boats.
2018, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.