Tamil Nadu begins 61-day annual fishing ban; Fishermen demand bigger compensation

The annual 61-day fishing ban along Tamil Nadu’s coastline commenced in the early hours of Tuesday (15 April ’25) and will remain in effect until 14 June. The ban, enforced under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, is intended to safeguard marine biodiversity during the peak breeding season. During this period, mechanised boats and trawlers are barred from operating in the sea, giving marine life a crucial window to regenerate.  

According to the Ramanathapuram district administration, nearly 1,500 mechanised fishing vessels have been docked at various coastal jetties across the state. Of these, 809 boats have been anchored in Chennai alone. In Thoothukudi district, over 550 mechanised boats at the Thoothukudi, Tharuvaikulam, and Vembar fishing harbours will also remain grounded throughout the ban...Fishermen leaders have urged the state government to enhance surveillance along the coastline to prevent illegal fishing activities during the ban.

They have specifically called for the deployment of Indian Coast Guard personnel and marine police to monitor the waters and catch any violators.“We must ensure no unauthorised fishing takes place, especially by boats from Kanniyakumari or Kerala. The fisheries department must remain alert,” said Pugal, Secretary of the Deep Sea Fishermen Welfare Association.

Traditional non-mechanised country boats are permitted to operate during the ban in Tamil Nadu. However, officials have warned local fishermen not to venture into Andhra Pradesh waters, where a total fishing ban—including for traditional crafts—is in place...To ease the financial strain during the ban, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a relief package of Rs 8,000 for every registered fisherman. Boat owners are expected to use this time for essential maintenance and repairs of their vessels.

Nonetheless, there are increasing demands from the fishing community for higher compensation, citing the rising cost of living and inflation.

NJ Bose, leader of the All Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association, also repeated the community’s call for a resolution to the long-standing Katchatheevu issue before the ban concludes. Fish prices witnessed a sharp increase ahead of the ban. On Sunday, the Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai saw heightened demand and soaring prices. Seer fish sold for Rs 900–Rs 1,000 per kg, white pomfret at Rs 1,100 per kg, red snapper at Rs 500–Rs 600 per kg, and sardines at Rs 100–Rs 120 per kg. With local mechanised fishing suspended, markets are expected to rely heavily on supplies from neighbouring states such as Kerala and Karnataka.

 Consumers may also turn to coastal villages to buy fish directly from traditional fishermen as they return to shore with their daily catch.