Mangaluru: 61-day fishing ban begins June 1; harbour activity set to fall silent

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 31: Fishing activity along the west coast is set to come to a near standstill from June 1 as the annual 61-day monsoon fishing ban comes into force, keeping mechanised boats off the sea until July 31 to protect marine life during the crucial breeding season.

The ban, imposed under state government orders, is aimed at safeguarding fish stocks during the monsoon months, when most marine species spawn. Officials said the operation of mechanised vessels during this period could disrupt fish breeding and adversely affect future catches.

With the restriction taking effect, most fishing-related activities at the Mangaluru fishing harbour are expected to cease for the next two months.

Traditional boats to continue operations

While mechanised fishing vessels will remain anchored, traditional country boats will be allowed to continue fishing operations. Fishermen using country boats and nets can venture into coastal waters and river stretches with engines of up to 10 horsepower.

Catch improves despite challenges

The ban comes on the back of a relatively encouraging fishing season. Officials said that although fish production at the Mangaluru harbour had fallen sharply in the previous year, the latest season witnessed a recovery.

The sector was impacted by fuel supply disruptions and rising petrol and diesel prices linked to the recent conflict in the Middle East, factors that also influenced fish prices. Despite these challenges, fishing activity during 2025-26 was the highest recorded in the last three years.

Fish landings during March stood at 6,792 metric tonnes in 2023-24 and 6,890 metric tonnes in 2024-25. In 2025-26, the figure rose sharply to 19,890 metric tonnes.

Official figures show that 2,39,758 tonnes of fish worth ?3,976 crore were landed during 2023-24. In 2024-25, the catch dropped to 1,71,795 tonnes valued at ?2,220 crore. However, 2025-26 saw an improvement, with 1,97,381 tonnes of fish worth ?3,856 crore landed at the harbour.

Anchorage woes trouble fishermen

Even as the fishing holiday begins, fishermen have voiced concern over anchorage facilities at the harbour, where development works under the first and third phases of the fishing harbour modernisation project are currently under way.

According to fishermen, boats returning after completing fishing operations are finding it increasingly difficult to secure anchorage space. Of the harbour’s total 1,400-metre stretch, only about 250 metres is currently available for use because of the ongoing works.

The annual fishing break is traditionally utilised for boat maintenance and repair. However, fishermen said moving vessels to the boat maintenance yard and docking area has become difficult due to the embankment constructed for the bridge project between Thannirbhavi Bengre and Sultan Battery.

They expressed concern that the lack of adequate access and anchorage facilities could create additional difficulties for vessel maintenance during the two-month fishing ban.