Maharashtra State Fisheries Minister, Aslam Sheikh, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, said that the use of mechanical fishing boats will be banned in the state from June 1 to July 31, 2021. The decision was taken to protect fish stocks and the fishermen during monsoons.
As per reports, the months of June and July provide a fertile environment for fish to breed and keeping this in mind, the ban has been implemented on fishing during this period to protect the the fish seed production and save the fish stock. On the other hand, coastal areas in Maharashtra, every year, face torrential rainfall and many fishermen lose their lives and finances due to stormy weather.
Considering these factors, an order was issued by the Fisheries Department which clarified that starting June 1 to July 31, 2021, bans have been imposed on mechanical fishing boats up to 12 nautical miles from the coast of the state. However, the fishing ban will not apply to non-mechanical boats and if the same is being done in the traditional manner.
Meanwhile, if any mechanical fishing boat is found fishing in the waters, during the monsoon fishing ban period, the same will be confiscated under section 14 of the Maharashtra Maritime Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981 and the provisions of section 17. Moreover, maximum punishment will be imposed as well.
A few weeks later, the fishermen from some coastal regions in Maharashtra requested the state to postpone the ban from June 15, 2021, as they were not able to earn money or run business during the recent cyclone. Furthermore, the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has also affected the business in a harsh manner.
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