Paradip, June 14: The local sea fishing hubs are again abuzz with hectic activities as the government-imposed ban on fishing will be lifted from midnight today.

Sea-going fishermen are getting ready to venture into sea with their fishing crafts that have been lying idle for the past two months.

To ensure safe and hassle-free breeding of sea fish, the state government had clamped a two-month-long prohibition on marine fishing from April 15.

Earlier, the fishing prohibition used to last for 45 days. However, it was extended to 60 days this year following an order issued by the Union agriculture ministry. The 60-day fishing ban was enforced simultaneously in Bengal, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh on eastern coast, said an official. Fishing vessels carrying the crews would reappear along the seawater, marking the beginning of seasonal fishing trade.

"All is set for recommencement of the fishing voyage. Everybody is optimistic of making up the loss due to the fishing ban. We are hardworking people. We are ready to fight adverse sea conditions to get higher fish catch," said a seagoing fisherman, Sukumar Haldar.

The annual fishing ban had been enforced for the larger interest of those living on fishing activities. The restriction on fishing is imposed every year to allow breeding and multiplication of fish population. Thus it is aimed at greater interest for the fishermen as it leads to larger yield. It remained in force from April 15 till 14 June. Fishermen and trawl operators had been asked not to undertake fishing voyage. Prohibition on sea fishing was promulgated under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, said additional fisheries officer Bharat Bhusan Sahoo.

However, those living on fishing and ancillary activities had been badly hit by the ban. Sea fishing has suffered major interruption this year. Frequent formation of low pressure and resultant cyclonic weather has posed major impediments as fishermen and crews were forced to suspend the fishing operation following nature induced causes, said trawl operator Sumant Biswal.

"More than 1,000 mechanised boats, apart from trawls and medium and small size motorised boats that operate from Paradip fisheries harbour, were left idle due to the ban. It was a tough time for us," said the spokesperson of the seagoing fishermen's union Tushar Sardar.

"Fish merchants from Bengal have already arrived in Paradip to purchase fish. Seafood exporters of the state have also opened their offices and fish collection centres to purchase fish and prawn," said the president of local trawler owners' association Srikant Parida.