Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, May 21: As per the state government notification issued under the Karnataka Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1986, mechanised fishing activities along the Karnataka coast, including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, will be prohibited from June 1 to July 31, 2026 (both days inclusive), for a total period of 61 days.

An order has been issued banning fishing activities carried out using mechanised boats and traditional boats fitted with inboard or outboard engines exceeding 10 horsepower (HP), employing any kind of fishing nets or equipment during the ban period.

However, motorised boats with engine capacity up to 10 HP used solely for navigation purposes, as well as traditional country boats, will be permitted to undertake fishing activities in coastal waters during this period. They have been instructed to strictly follow weather advisories whenever alerts regarding adverse weather conditions are issued.

Since the fishing ban along the coast comes into effect from June 1, all boats must compulsorily enter ports before May 31. Legal action will be initiated against boats entering ports after the deadline, the order stated.

Fishing boats and fishermen violating the government order on the fishing ban will be liable for penalties prescribed under the Karnataka Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1986. In addition, they will become ineligible to obtain state tax-free diesel for a period of one year.

In a press release, the joint director of the fisheries department has urged all fishermen in the coastal region of the district to strictly comply with the order and cooperate with the government.