The Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, which had remained largely quiet for the past 61 days, is once again buzzing with activity as fishermen prepare to head back into the deep sea.

The annual fishing ban along the East Coast, imposed by the Union government to facilitate the breeding and regeneration of marine species, ended at midnight on June 14.

With the lifting of the ban, which came into force on April 15, thousands of mechanised and motorised fishing vessels are set to resume operations. The harbour has turned into a hive of activity, with crews loading ice, mending nets, servicing engines and stocking provisions for extended fishing voyages.

For the fishing community, the end of the ban marks the beginning of a new season filled with hope and expectations. Fishermen and boat owners offered prayers to Goddess Gangamma, seeking a good catch and the safe return of those venturing into the Bay of Bengal.

“We are praying for a bountiful season and the safety of all fishermen heading into the deep sea,” said Arjili Dasu, a leader of a fishermen’s association.

The two-month suspension of fishing operations had placed considerable financial strain on thousands of families dependent on the sector. To ease their burden, the Andhra Pradesh government extended assistance of ₹20,000 to eligible fishing families under the Matsyakara Bharosa scheme.

Despite the excitement surrounding the reopening of the season, boat owners say they continue to face operational challenges. The availability and rising cost of ice, an essential requirement for long-duration fishing trips, remains a major concern. They have also urged the government to provide additional support to offset the increasing cost of high-speed diesel, one of the largest expenses in deep-sea fishing operations.

Even so, a large section of the fishing fleet is expected to sail out immediately as the new season gets underway.

The resumption of fishing is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and workers linked to the sector. It is also likely to stabilise seafood supplies in local markets, where prices of popular varieties such as pomfret and prawns had risen during the ban period because of reduced availability.

Officials of the Fisheries Department, in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, have been making arrangements for the smooth commencement of fishing operations. They have advised fishermen to strictly follow safety norms and sustainable fishing practices while venturing into the sea.