The Central government has imposed a complete ban on fishing in the water bodies in Odisha coastal areas for two months, to protect the fish stock during the breeding period. The ban, which was imposed on April 15 last month, will remain effective till June 14 for all mechanised boats and trawlers. It is not for the first time that the fishing ban has been imposed as such restrictions are being imposed as per the directions of the Central Government for the past two decades to ensure conservation of fish during its breeding-period, so that fishermen get the maximum benefit. Though the vessel and trawler owners in Balasore have welcomed the government’s move, they alleged that they are deprived of any kind of assistance from the government during the ban period. However, the traditional fishermen using small boats are exempted from the ban and are permitted to fish in territorial waters. We are following the government orders and have stopped venturing into the sea. But we are facing heavy losses, said Suainur-Ul-Haq, a trawler owner.