Marine fishing ban comes into force; thousands face job loss

A two-month long ban on marine fishing along Odisha’s coastline is all set to take effect Tuesday, forcing thousands of fishermen to dock their boats and brace for financial hardship.

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Enforced annually under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, the ban — in place from April 15 to June 14 —aims to protect breeding marine species during the critical spawning season. The restriction, issued by the Directorate of Fisheries (Notice No 4038, dated April 11), applies to all mechanised fishing operations across the state’s coastal harbours and is intended to help replenish dwindling fish stocks and support long-term marine biodiversity.