The Andhra Pradesh government will impose a ban on marine fishing from April 15 to June 14 to conserve marine resources and ensure safety for fisherfolk. (PTI)

Visakhapatnam: Fishing activities using mechanised and motorised boats along the East Coast have been prohibited from April 15 to June 14, coinciding with the peak breeding season of several fish species.

The annual ban, enforced under the AP Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1995, aims to conserve marine resources, ensure sustainable fish production, and safeguard fishermen during this critical spawning period. Traditional, non-motorised boats are exempt from the restrictions.

The authorities have urged fishermen to strictly adhere to the ban, warning that violators would face legal action. To support families dependent on boat-based fishing, the state government has announced a subsistence allowance of `20,000 per family under the “Matsyakarula Sevalo” scheme. The relief would be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries.

To qualify, fishing boats must be registered under the Marine Shipping Act of 1958 and hold valid licenses under the state’s marine fishing regulation Act. Crew size eligibility varies by boat type: mechanised boats exceeding 18 metres may have up to 10 crew members; smaller mechanised boats, up to 8; motor boats, up to 6; and traditional boats, up to 3.

Owners of mechanised boats are excluded from the scheme, and benefits will not be extended to boats penalised for violating bans in 2025–26.

An enumeration of boats and crew members will be conducted across the district fish landing centres on April 17. Lists will be published at Swarna Grama/Ward Secretariats and Rythu Seva Kendras for objections before final validation. Beneficiaries must complete eKYC verification to receive payments.

Joint director of fisheries, Lakshman Rao, urged fishermen to cooperate with the ban and avail the scheme, highlighting that “conservation today is vital for sustaining livelihoods tomorrow.”


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