After loading fishing nets and other paraphernalia, Rameswaram and Mandapam fishermen have geared up to resume fishing at the end of 61-day fishing ban period as the Fisheries department warned them against venturing into the sea ahead of the end of the ban period and without obtaining fishing permits.
The annual ban on fishing, which came into force on April 15 to help replenish fish stock, ends on June 14 midnight, but the fishermen were set to venture into the sea a few hours ahead to catch the maximum.
On Thursday, Rameswaram fishermen were seen busy readying for the new season. They are supposed to set out for fishing after obtaining fishing permits issued by the Fisheries department officials after 5.30 a.m. on Saturday, but a majority of them were ready to venture into the sea on Friday evening or night, fishermen said.
Despite the warning by the officials against venturing into the sea in advance and without obtaining fishing permits, they would be forced to set sail if their counterparts in Pudukottai set out for fishing on Friday evening, they said.
The officials asked the fishermen not to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), follow rules, carry fishing permits and identity cards while setting out for fishing, fishermen leader P. Sesu Raja said. Boat owners had spent a minimum of ₹2 lakh each to refurbish trawlers, give them a fresh coat of panting and purchase new nets, and they expected the new season to be trouble-free and good, he said.
Deputy Director of Fisheries E. Kathavarayan said the department had sought the assistance of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indian Navy in preventing the fishermen from venturing into the sea on Friday evening. The department had requested the ICG and the navy to berth their vessels in the channels north of Pamban and Rameswaram fishing jetty. Stern action would be taken against those who violated the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, he said.
