The 61-day annual marine fishing ban will come into effect in Karnataka’s coastal districts from June 1, and remain in force till July 31.

Accordingly, mechanised boats and traditional boats fitted with inboard or outboard engines above 10 HP are banned from fishing activities. However, fishing boats fitted with engines of up to 10 HP will be allowed to operate during the period.

Fishermen who flout the Government Order will not receive diesel subsidy for a year and will be subject to penal provisions under the Karnataka Marine Fishing (Regulation) Act, 1986.

The Fisheries Department has asked fishermen to anchor their boats in fishing harbours compulsorily by May 31.

The main objective of banning deep-sea fishing is to protect fish wealth, as commercially important species breed during this period. It is also used to prevent juvenile fishing and excessive fishing.

Meanwhile, although there is a demand from the fisheries sector to extend the two-month ban during the fish breeding season to three months (till August) uniformly along the West Coast, States have not yet arrived at a consensus on the same. Extending the ban for one more month will help in boosting fish production.