The annual moratorium on deep sea fishing imposed by the State government began on Wednesday.
The ban, which is imposed to allow fish to breed, will remain in force for 45 days. It will end on May 29, according to fisheries officials.
As per the ban, mechanised boats will not be allowed to enter the sea for fishing. However, country boats and vallams fitted with engines can continue to venture into the sea for fishing.
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According to sources, as many as 2,500 mechanised boats in different parts of the district, such as Rameswaram, Sozhiakudi, Mandapam, Pamban, Kilakarai, Thondi, Devipattinam, Valinokkam, have been anchored in jetties. The mandatory token will not be given to fishermen during the ban. Fishing harbours, fishing companies, usually busy places on the seashores, were deserted owing to the stoppage of activities.
According to a rough estimate, more than 50,000 people, who get direct and indirect employment in the fishing industry, have been rendered jobless temporarily because of the ban.
It is during this period that the fishermen who own mechanised boats send them for repair and maintenance. A large number of carpenters from different parts have arrived in Rameswaram, Mandapam and other areas for undertaking repair work.
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