Karwar, June 1 -- A two-month annual fishing ban came into effect on Saturday across coastal Karnataka, aims to conserve marine resources and allow fish populations to regenerate during the monsoon season.
However, fearing the loss of livelihoods of thousands of fishermen who depend on deep-sea fishing during the June 1 to July 31 ban, boat owners and fishing community leaders have urged the government to announce financial assistance to support those affected during the period of inactivity.
As part of the ban, trawl boats and purse seine vessels have been prohibited from operating, while only traditional, non-mechanised fishing boats are permitted to venture into the sea. In Karwar, boat operators have anchored their vessels at the Bait...