With the 61-day annual fishing ban along the east coast coming to an end, fishermen in Nagapattinam district are gearing up to resume deep-sea fishing.

The annual fishing ban, imposed from April 15 to June 14, is aimed at conserving marine resources and facilitating the breeding of fish species during the spawning season. During the ban period, mechanised boats remained anchored at fishing harbours.

Fishing harbours and landing centres across the district witnessed heightened activity as fishermen made final preparations for venturing into the sea after a prolonged period of inactivity. Fishermen utilised the ban period for maintenance and painting of their boats. Repair work on mechanised boats and fishing nets, engine inspections, and the loading of ice blocks, fuel, and other essential supplies were carried out ahead of the resumption of fishing operations.

Similarly, fishermen from the coastal regions of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Karaikal, and Pudukkottai are preparing to embark on a new fishing season.

Local fish markets are anticipating increased arrivals of fish in the coming days, bringing relief to traders and consumers after weeks of limited supply.