Minister for Fisheries and Ports K. Babu said here on Thursday that the trawling ban this year too would be for 47 days from midnight of June 14 to July 31.
The Minister’s statement comes against the background of experts recommending ban for a longer period. Mr. Babu said the ban was being imposed to conserve fish resources as monsoon was the spawning season of many varieties of fish. The ban was also aimed at reducing accidents during the stormy season and maintaining peace at sea. The ban would not be in the way of traditional pelagic fishing.
He noted that the Centre would impose ban on deep sea fishing during the same period. A sum of Rs. 20 lakh had been earmarked for providing free ration to workers of fishing boats and those engaged in ancillary occupation during the ban period.
He said that control rooms would function round the clock from May 15.
