Tue Apr 15 13:10:45 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Fishing Ban Begins, Prices Expected to Rise
**THOOTHUKUDI, April 15, 2025** – A 61-day fishing ban for mechanized boats along Tamil Nadu’s east coast went into effect at midnight on Monday, bringing trawler operations to a complete standstill. Over 600 mechanized boats from Thoothukudi, Tharuvaikulam, and Vembar have been docked for the duration of the ban, which ends June 14.
Boat owners will use this time for maintenance and repairs, including repainting vessels and replacing fishing nets, representing a significant financial investment. Only smaller country boats operating within 6 nautical miles of the shore will be permitted to fish during this period. This is expected to lead to a sharp increase in seafood prices due to the reduced supply.
Fishermen have expressed concerns about boats from the west coast, including those from Kerala and Kanniyakumari, illegally fishing in the Gulf of Mannar during the ban. They have urged the Department of Fisheries, Coastal Security Group, and Indian Coast Guard to enforce the ban strictly to prevent this. Last March, authorities detained six boats with 86 fishermen for such violations.
The Fisheries Department has assured increased joint patrols by the three agencies to monitor the situation and prevent illegal fishing activities during the ban. They are even offering local fishermen the opportunity to participate in the patrols.
First Piper 