Andhra Pradesh Enforces Annual 61-Day Deep Sea Fishing Ban for Marine Resource Conservation
The Andhra Pradesh government has officially announced the implementation of the annual 61-day ban on deep sea fishing, which will come into effect on April 15, 2025. This comprehensive prohibition will remain active along the entire coastline of Andhra Pradesh until June 14, 2025, strictly adhering to the conservation and management directives issued by the Government of India.
Scope and Rationale of the Fishing Ban
The ban specifically targets all fishing vessels operating within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond territorial waters on the East Coast during the summer months. This measure is strategically designed to achieve multiple critical objectives: the conservation of marine ecosystems, the effective management of fishery resources to ensure sustainability, and the enhancement of safety for maritime operations. However, in a significant exemption, traditional non-motorized fishing units are permitted to continue their activities, recognizing their minimal environmental impact and socio-economic importance to local communities.
Composition of the State's Fishing Fleet and Enforcement Measures
Andhra Pradesh's fishing fleet is composed of approximately 50 percent mechanized boats, 48 percent motorized boats, and around 2 percent non-motorized traditional crafts. The government order explicitly prohibits fishing operations by mechanized fishing vessels and all fishing crafts equipped with outboard or inboard engines, which includes motorized fishing boats. Only non-motorized traditional fishing crafts are exempt from this uniform ban in the territorial waters along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The authorities have issued stern warnings that any violations of this ban will result in severe consequences. Penal actions include the potential seizure of boats, imposition of financial penalties, and suspension of crucial benefits such as the high-speed diesel subsidy and other forms of assistance under the Andhra Pradesh Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1994. To ensure strict compliance, the fisheries department is conducting coordinated joint patrols with officials from the Indian Coast Guard.
Current Status and Economic Context
Across various coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, including major hubs like Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Vadarevu, and Kalingapatnam, approximately 2,500 mechanized fishing vessels are operational. Notably, even prior to the official commencement of the fishing ban, over 80 percent of mechanized fishing boats in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and several other coastal districts have already been anchored in preparation.
This preemptive action comes against the backdrop of a challenging fishing season for 2025-26. According to Ch Veeraju, President of the Visakha Dolphin Boat Operators Welfare Association, the majority of mechanized boat owners in the region have incurred significant losses. This economic strain is attributed to a notably low catch of some popular fish varieties and diminished returns for brown prawn, highlighting the precarious financial situation facing the fishing industry as the conservation period begins.
