61-day fishing ban ends in Rameswaram

Fishermen carry out maintenance on a boat in Pamban. | Photo credit: L. BALACHANDAR

The quiet shores of Rameswaram will come alive on Sunday (June 14, 2026) evening as hundreds of local fishermen head back to the sea. The resumption of activity follows the official closure of a mandatory 61-day annual fishing ban that kept mechanized boats anchored at the docks for more than two months.

The annual fishing ban, enforced by maritime authorities, is intended to protect marine ecosystems and allow fish populations to reproduce undisturbed.

According to Fisheries Department officials, traditional country boats and small trawlers were the only vessels allowed to operate during this period and were restricted to a zone within two nautical miles of the coast to prevent commercial overfishing.

While the mandatory shutdowns halted regular income, local fishermen used the two-month break to carry out extensive overhauls and structural repairs to their mechanized vessels to ensure they were seaworthy for the coming season. Beyond the joy of returning to the sea, however, long-standing geopolitical grievances continue to simmer in the fishing community.

Fishermen make arrests

P. Jesu Raja, leader of the Mechanized Boat Fishermen Welfare Association, highlighted the persistent problems plaguing local livelihoods. He urged the Union Government to expedite the release of more than 25 Indian fishermen who are currently detained in Sri Lankan jails.

In addition, the association renewed its long-standing demand to acquire Katchatheev from Sri Lanka, a move it says is necessary to ensure conflict-free fishing. The community also sought an improved rehabilitation package that calls for increased compensation for ships seized or missing from 2025, he added.

Token Decisions

A fisheries department official said Ramanathapuram district, comprising areas like Rameswaram, Mandapam and Pamban among others, has nearly 1,400 mechanized boats. Although the no-fishing period will end at midnight on Sunday, a decision on the issuance of tokens has not yet been made due to the forecast of high winds until June 15. Based on weather conditions, ships will be allowed to enter the sea, the official said.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 16:49 IST