Fishing ban ends, but boats stay at Tamil Nadu shore due to bad weather

Tamil Nadu’s fishing ban ended on June 14, but rough weather and IMD wind alerts are keeping boats ashore. The extended delay has left fishermen struggling financially and led to a shortage of fresh fish in coastal markets

Chennai: Although the annual fishing ban officially ended on June 14, mechanised fishing vessels along the southern Tamil Nadu coast are yet to resume operations due to adverse weather conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of squally winds with speeds ranging from 45 to 55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph. These conditions are expected to persist for five days over the southern Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar, and the adjoining Comorin region.

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In response, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has temporarily suspended the issuance of sailing tokens for mechanised fishing vessels. These tokens are mandatory for vessels to operate, effectively keeping fishermen ashore.

The continued grounding of fishing boats has left coastal fishing communities in distress, especially after enduring the 61-day seasonal ban aimed at marine conservation during the breeding period.

Fishermen report that they are under financial strain, struggling to meet household expenses as savings have dried up and debts have mounted.

“We have already been idle for two months due to the fishing ban. Now, just when we were preparing to resume, the weather has turned hostile,” said Antony John, a fisherman leader from Mattakadai.

“Many of us have borrowed money for household needs and school fees. Unless we start fishing soon, we won’t be able to repay our loans,” he added.

A senior Fisheries Department official confirmed that no vessels would be allowed to set sail until conditions improve. “Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore due to safety concerns. The IMD has predicted wind speeds that exceed safe operational limits. Once conditions are deemed safe, sailing tokens will be issued immediately,” the official said.

A recent survey revealed that 550 mechanised fishing vessels — including 35 bottom trawlers from Vembar, 250 from Thoothukudi, and 265 gill netters — are registered and compliant under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983. However, 66 vessels were found unregistered due to violations related to boat length and engine capacity

Meanwhile, the prolonged halt in fishing activities has led to a noticeable shortage of fresh fish in local markets, causing prices to spike and affecting consumers across coastal districts. Traders warn that unless boats resume operations soon, the shortfall will worsen in the coming days.