Sea fishing would come to a standstill in Paradip fishing harbour for 45 days starting from April 15. Telegraph picture

Paradip, April 12: Paradip fishing harbour, the largest all-weather marine fishing hub off the eastern coast, will take a break from hectic day-to-day activity as the state government is set to impose a 45-day ban on fishing in the sea from April 15 in view of the spawning period.

Where there were protests against the ban from stakeholders in the past, most now see this as a well-deserved annual holiday.

“There will be no fishing in the sea from April 15 to May 31 because it’s peak breeding season of marine fish species. Restrictions have been imposed on the sea route movement of trawls and vessels besides medium-size fishing vessels. Country-made boats that do not venture very far into the sea — the sensitive breeding zone — are being exempted from the ban,” said a marine fisheries official.

Rabi Narayan Pattnaik, assistant director of fisheries (marine), said such prohibition was necessary to ensure that fishes could breed undisturbed. “Gravid species are saved from being netted because of such a ban, which will boost marine fish population and yield. The fishing ban has been enforced in accordance with the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982,” he said.

Stakeholders and fishermen have taken the prohibition in their stride despite the loss of vocation.

In the past, there have been protests against the ban from stakeholders. But realising the need for such prohibition for higher yield, both traditional marine fishermen and trawl and vessel operators consider it a well-deserved break from their busy schedules.

“We are abiding by the authorities’ directions, as they are well-intended and will enhance the annual fish yield. The stakeholders and fishermen are readying themselves to cope with the situation as there will be no work in the coming one-and-a-half month. The majority of those directly or indirectly dependent on the fishing harbour for their livelihood are migrant workers. It will be a sort of yearly vacation. For the vessel and trawl owners, it’s time to undertake annual maintenance of their vessels,” said Sumanta Biswal, president, Orissa Marine Fish Producers’ Association (OMFPA).

Repercussions would include rise in the prices of inland fish. “The ban will definitely have its impact on the fishery-based economy in the region. Ancillary units like ice manufacturing factories, fishing-net makers, dry-fish manufacturers will feel the pinch. There will greater demand for inland fish species and their prices will shoot up,” said Subhash Rout, secretary, OMFPA.

Every day, about 700 deep-sea trawlers and over 2,000 medium-capacity fishing vessels begin their seaward venture from this harbour, widely regarded as the hub of marine fisheries in Orissa, said marine fisheries personnel.

“To ensure the smooth implementation of the ban during the breeding period, we have sought the assistance of state marine police and Paradip coast for interception of unlawful fishing,” said Pattnaik.

Such bans, believe experts, should also be imposed on fishing in fresh water bodies.

“There should be similar ban on inland fishing in river and waterbodies. As there is no inland fishing prohibition during breeding season in the state, it has led to the decline of fresh water fish. Restriction during breeding season would definitely improve the annual fresh water fish catch,” said Narayan Haldar, president, Orissa Traditional Marine Fish Producers’ Association.