Fish prices are likely to escalate in the coming days and weeks as the ‘no-fishing’ period for fishermen commences from midnight tonight (14th April) along the Tamil Nadu coast.

‘No-fishing’ period, a 60-day long period during when no fishermen is allowed to venture into the seas for fishing, is the annual break from fishing for fishermen basically meant to allow fishes to breed and multiply in huge numbers.  The no-fishing period, which was 45 days till last year, has been increased to 61 days with effect from this year (2018) which means no fishing activity should take place till 13th June.

Fishermen along the coast in Chennai, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Rameswaram and Kanniyakumari have been asked to abide by the ‘no-fishing’ period keeping in view the very purpose for which it has been enforced.

Breeding time of 61 days has been allowed for fishes from 14th April to 13th June as this particular duration, among all the days in the year, has been found to be scientifically ‘most suited’ for the fishes to breed in large numbers.  Fishermen would make best use of this 2-month long (forced) break by servicing their ferries and boats so as to keep them ready for fishing in June.