AP imposes 61-day deep sea fishing ban from April 15

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the annual 61-day deep-sea fishing ban along the coast, which will be in force from April 15 to June 14, in line with the Government of India guidelines for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.

Officials said the restriction, applicable in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond territorial waters along the East Coast, is crucial for protecting fish stocks during the breeding season, allowing natural regeneration of marine resources, ensuring long-term sustainability of fisheries, and maintaining safety at sea during the lean fishing period.

Traditional non-motorised fishing craft have been exempted from the ban. The State’s fishing fleet comprises about 50 per cent mechanised boats, 48 per cent motorised vessels, and nearly 2 per cent non-motorised craft.

Orders have been issued prohibiting all mechanised fishing vessels, as well as motorised boats fitted with inboard and outboard engines, from operating along the entire Andhra Pradesh coastline during the ban period under the AP Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1994.

A senior fisheries official said enforcement will be strict to ensure compliance with conservation objectives. “The ban is essential for safeguarding marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable fishery resources for the future. Any violation will lead to seizure of boats, penalties, and suspension of benefits such as diesel subsidy and other government assistance,” the official said. The fisheries department will conduct joint patrols with the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen enforcement.

Around 2,500 mechanised fishing vessels operate across coastal hubs, including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Vadarevu, and Kalingapatnam. Officials said more than 80 per cent of mechanised boats in several districts had already been anchored ahead of the enforcement date.

Meanwhile, the 2025–26 fishing season has been described by operators as subdued, with poor catches and low returns affecting livelihoods. “Most mechanised boat owners have incurred losses due to poor catch of key fish varieties and low returns from brown prawn,” said Ch Veeraju, president of the Visakha Dolphin Boat Operators Welfare Association.