Fishermen living in coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh depend on fishing for their livelihood, but the image on hunting is applicable every year for 61 days. If it is violated, the authorities take action under the Maritime Fisheries Regulation Act-1944. The hunting ban starting from April 15 this year will continue till 14 June. The restriction on fishing is mainly applied to promote fish breeding in the sea.
If someone violates the rules, its boat is confiscated and the fish caught is also confiscated. Even diesel subsidy is not given by the government. This time the fisheries department, Coast Guard, Navy and Revenue officials have been ensured that the ban will be implemented effectively.
19 km long coastline in Godavari district
The coastline of West Godavari district alone is 19 km long. Many people in the villages of Perupalem, KP Palem, Mollaparu, Vemula Devi, Pedaminewanilaanka, Chinmanwani Lanka and Biapu Thipa are dependent on fishing for livelihood under Narasapuram and Mogalathur Mandal.
The total population of 12 villages situated along the beach is 38,652, out of which 9,558 people regularly go to hunting. Authorities have identified 1,814 of these people as people hunting in the sea. Meanwhile, there are 145 motorized boats, 312 non-motorized boats and a machine-driven boat in the entire district.
Andhra Pradesh government helps financially
The government provides annual grant to provide assistance during the hunting ban, while the previous government gave Rs 100 crore. The coalition government will provide assistance under a grant of Rs 10,000. 20,000 officers will identify the beneficiaries. The demand for dry fish is likely to increase due to lack of raw fish with the implementation of restrictions on fishing.