Bhubaneswar, April 15 -- Odisha Government today banned marine fishing along the coastal belt with immediate effect for a period of 61 days during fish breeding season.

The fishing ban will remain effective till June 14.

The ban on fishing in the sea was clamped by the Fisheries Department for the conservation and safety of marine resources.

The Directorate of Fisheries directed the concerned officials including Additional Fisheries Officers, and District Fisheries Officers to ensure the restrictions along the state's coastline.

As per the order, fishing within territorial waters along the entire coastline of Odisha will be prohibited from April 15 to June 14.

However, traditional fishing vessels (up to 8.5 meters) with or without an...