Fishermen unload their final catch at the Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai on April 15, 2026 as a 61-day fishing ban takes effect along India's eastern coast imposed to protect fish stocks during their breeding season. (Photo by R. Satish BABU / AFP)

Chennai: Fisheries minister A. Srinath on Wednesday announced the increase of financial assistance to the families of fishermen who go missing while fishing from Rs. 350 per day to Rs, 600 per day, He also announced a financial relief of Rs. 8 lakh for each motorised boat seized by the Sri Lankan navy besides Rs. 2 lakh for each country boat which was seized.

Replying to the debate on the demand for grants to his ministry in the Assembly, Srinath said the financial assistance would be provided for two years or till the families get relief through the group accident insurance scheme.

He announced the formation of artificial reefs which serve as dwelling places for sea life. This would be formed in 50 places to improve the fish availability. He said sea ranching activities would be expanded in the sea coast of Chennai and Kanyakumari districts.

Srinath said stunted fingerlings would be produced at the Krishnagiri fish farm and they would be scattered on the inland water bodies to improve fish production. A separate policy for growing fish and other aquatic lives would be formulated to protect the environment and introduce modern technology in fishing.

The fish resources would be scientifically mapped to identify the sea areas for fishing and create separate fishing zones. Public and private investment would be encouraged to set up fish farms, fish fodder factories and other infrastructure for fishing. The government would provide subsidies for open sea cage culture (producing fishes by forming cages in seas) at 80 places on the sea coast, the minister said.

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