Sri Vijaya Puram, July 19:The Zonal Fisheries Office, South Andaman, has advised all mechanized fishing vessel owners, and associated stakeholders to strictly comply with the provisions of the A&N Islands Marine Fishing Regulation, 2003, A&N Islands Marine Fishing Rules, 2004 and subsequent amendments for undertaking sustainable harnessing of Fishing Resources.
The Mechanized fishing vessels (having engine of 30 HP capacity and above) are strictly prohibited from carrying out fishing operations within the 0–6 nautical miles (NM) zone and for operating in creeks, channels, estuaries and other prohibited areas. As per the A&N Islands Marine Fishing (Amendment) Rules, 2025, mechanized fishing vessels shall operate only in the 06–12 nautical mile zone of territorial waters using permitted gears like gillnet, long line, hook & line and pelagic trawl net etc.
All the fishing boats fitted with engines having engine of 30 HP capacity and above to strictly use gillnet of not less than 25 mm, pelagic trawl net with cod end not less than 30mm mesh size. The usage of knotless gillnet made of monofilament twine locally known as plastic jaal is strictly prohibited.
All fishermen and fishing vessel owners have been warned that any violation of the provisions of the Regulation and Rules, including fishing in prohibited areas or using unauthorized fishing gears, shall attract strict legal action, including imposition of penalties/fines and other actions as provided under the rules.
All stakeholders have been requested to cooperate with the Department in ensuring sustainable fisheries management and the conservation of marine fishery resources.
