West coast states to ban fishing during monsoon

The states along the west coast of India will ban fishing for a 47-day period during monsoon.

This was decided at a conference on “Imposition of a uniform fishing ban along the west coast” held at Mysore near here and attended by representatives from Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat, besides the union territory of Lakshadweep.

The ministers and top officials of fisheries departments of the west coast states agreed on the need for declaring fishing holiday to provide respite for rejuvenation and replenishment of fish stocks.

The conference favoured a fishing holiday during monsoon as it would not only prevent loss of human lives in the rough seas, but also facilitate the breeding of fish. For, the breeding season of most fish varieties falls during monsoon.

The conference decided that Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Lakshadweep could have a fishing holiday between June 15 and July 31 while Maharashtra and Gujarat would also choose a period of 47 days depending on the local coastal conditions.

The meeting of representatives of fisheries departments of the states along west coast comes in the wake of recommendation made by an expert committee constituted by the Federal Government.

The west coast states also decided to urge the Federal Government to allow traditional fishermen to venture into high seas with boats fitted with 25 horsepower motors during the fishing holiday period. During fishing holiday only sustenance fishing is allowed.