Daijiworld Media Network – Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneswar, May 12: The Odisha Fisheries Department has announced monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 each for around 12,000 fishermen during the annual 61-day fishing ban period observed from April 15 to June 14.

Joint Director of Fisheries (Marine) Rabi Narayan Patnaik said the compensation would be provided under the state government’s ‘Livelihood Support to Marine Fishermen During Fishing Ban Period’ scheme.

“The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to poor fishermen affected by the fishing ban imposed for conservation of marine fish resources. It is intended to strengthen the livelihood support of fishermen during this period,” Patnaik said.

Under the scheme, eligible fishermen in the age group of 18 to 60 years will receive Rs 1,500 per month for three months. However, only fishermen who contributed Rs 1,500 over nine months under the Saving-cum-Relief scheme will qualify for the benefit.

Officials said although Odisha has nearly 1.5 lakh marine fishermen, only around 12,000 have deposited contributions under the Saving-cum-Relief scheme. These beneficiaries will receive a total of Rs 4,500 in three instalments between April and June.

The state government imposes the annual fishing ban during the marine breeding season to help conserve fish stock and protect aquatic resources. During this period, mechanised fishing vessels are prohibited from venturing into the sea.

Patnaik said around 6,000 mechanised fishing vessels, including 1,726 trawlers registered with the Fisheries Department, are currently anchored at fishing harbours and jetties across the state following the ban order.

However, small mechanised and non-mechanised boats measuring less than 8.5 metres in length have been exempted from the restriction. Traditional fishermen are also allowed to continue fishing within territorial waters, but only for pelagic fish species.