Paradip: A two-month ban starting from April 15 has been imposed on fishing in the east coast regions of the country to increase fish population.
However, some motorised fishing boats are venturing into the sea violating the restrictions, a report said.
More than 20 boats enter into the sea illegally at least three days a week. As the fish markets are held every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, the boats go for fishing the previous nights, it was learnt.
Though there are more than 230 boats operating from the fishing harbour of this town, a small group of unscrupulous fishermen manage to earn reasonably using the existing loopholes in the system. Meanwhile, many poor fishermen have raised objections to the illegality.
A section of fishermen pool money among themselves and grease the palms of the marine police and a few officials of the fisheries department to get away with the illegality, it was alleged.
These illegal fish consignments are taken through Kaudia river and sold in Atharabanki area, locals said.
Fish in some 10 boats were brought to the area last Wednesday, they added.
Though there is a provision for fishermen to enter the sea within five km range using small boats (not exceeding 28 ft in length) and catch fish, no one takes the benefit of this facility due to opposition by the members of trawler owners’ association.
One can find fish varieties like Lanji, Pati, Paniakhia, Marua, Borei, Hilsa and a couple of varieties of crabs selling in fish depots of the town. The fishermen enter the sea at night with their boats which are more than 28 ft in length, a report said.
When contacted, Paradip marine fisheries officer Madhumaya Samal admitted to the illegal operations. “They (the fishermen) even don’t follow the met department’s advisory and enter the sea during rough weather to catch fish,” Samal added.
He, however, promised to seize the boats involved in fishing during the ban period.
