This Article is From Aug 04, 2014

Centre Mulls Uniform Ban on Fishing Off West Coast in Monsoon

Panaji, Goa: The Centre is contemplating imposing a uniform ban on fishing activities along the west coast during the monsoons.

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Sunday said he will call a meeting of Fisheries Ministers of the states concerned to discuss the proposal.

"Some States on west coast have a 45-day ban, while others have it for 60 days. There is no uniformity. Before the next monsoon season, I will meet the Fisheries Ministers so that a uniform ban period on fishing is evolved," he told reporters in Panaji.

Mr Singh earlier had a meeting with Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and officials from Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries Ministries.

Fishing during the monsoon is prohibited as it is the breeding period for fish. Goa observes a two-month ban.

Emphasising on the need to preserve marine resources and focus on aquaculture growth, Mr Singh said the Centre is working on a plan to usher in "blue revolution".

"We have been speaking about a blue revolution. We will provide whatever facilities are required for growth of fisheries," the Minister said.

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