Mangaluru/Udupi: Fishing activities across the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi resumed on Friday, August 1, following the end of the annual two-month monsoon fishing ban imposed to protect the breeding season of marine fish. Fishermen, boat owners and harbour authorities have completed extensive preparations over the past week, although rough sea conditions may affect the pace of operations during the initial days.
The lifting of the seasonal ban marks the beginning of a new fishing season, with deep-sea trawlers gradually returning to the Arabian Sea after remaining anchored during the monsoon period.
Fishing boats ready to return to sea
Boat owners have spent the past several days carrying out repairs and maintenance on fishing vessels in preparation for the reopening of the season.
Fishing boats were cleaned, engines serviced and essential equipment inspected before setting sail. Large quantities of ice, fuel, nets and other supplies were stocked to ensure uninterrupted fishing operations once the ban ended.
According to fisheries sources, around 70 to 100 fishing boats are expected to venture into the sea on the first day of operations. Nearly 400 deep-sea trawlers have also completed preparations and are ready to resume commercial fishing.
However, the number of boats heading out is likely to depend on weather conditions, as the southwest monsoon continues to influence the Arabian Sea.
Adverse weather may affect operations
Although the fishing ban has officially ended, rough seas, strong winds and intermittent rainfall could delay fishing trips for some vessels.
Fishermen are expected to closely monitor weather forecasts before venturing into deeper waters. Harbour authorities and fisheries officials have advised boat operators to follow safety guidelines and avoid taking unnecessary risks if sea conditions deteriorate.
The gradual return of fishing vessels is expected to ensure safer operations until weather conditions become more favourable.
Purse seine boats to begin operations later
While deep-sea trawlers have been permitted to resume fishing from August 1, purse seine boats will begin operations on August 7.
The commencement of purse seine fishing will follow the customary sea worship ceremony, a traditional ritual observed by fishing communities before the start of the season.
Even after the ceremony, the deployment of purse seine boats will depend on prevailing sea and weather conditions.
Malpe harbour completes preparations
Preparations have also been completed at the Malpe Fishing Harbour in Udupi district, where authorities and stakeholders have readied infrastructure for the new fishing season.
As a precautionary measure, a cleanliness drive was conducted at the harbour on Friday to ensure hygienic conditions before fishing activities resumed.
Officials said boats from Malpe would venture into the sea in a phased manner rather than all at once. The staggered departure is intended to facilitate smooth harbour operations and maintain safety during the reopening of the season.
Hope for a productive fishing season
The resumption of fishing is expected to provide a significant boost to the coastal economy, benefiting thousands of fishermen, fish traders, transporters, ice plants and allied industries across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
The annual monsoon fishing ban is enforced to allow marine species to breed and replenish fish stocks, supporting long-term sustainability of marine resources.
With preparations complete and boats gradually returning to the sea, the fishing community is optimistic about a productive season, while remaining cautious about the prevailing monsoon weather that could influence operations in the coming days.