Fishing ban in Andhra Pradesh from April 15, fisherfolk to get Rs 10,000 aid

VISAKHAPATNAM: The state government on Friday imposed the 61-day annual ban on fishing activities in seawater under territorial limits of Andhra Pradesh from April 15 to June 14.
In an attempt to protect fisheries and biodiversity during the marine breeding season, the government enforces the ban every summer, restricting fishing activities by mechanised and motorised vessels fitted with inboard or outboard engines, excluding non-motorised crafts, as per the AP Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1994.
Ch Satyanarayana Murthy, president, Dolphin Boat Operators’ Welfare Association, said there are over 2,000 mechanised boats in Andhra Pradesh. But even before the ban, the majority of mechanised fishing boats were anchored at harbours following losses due to low catch of popular fish, he added.
Meanwhile, the long-pending demand of fishermen to increase financial assistance during the 61-day fishing ban has been fulfilled with the state government enhancing financial support for fishermen from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000. TNN