Sri Vijaya Puram, April 29:
In a bid to preserve the fragile marine ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Administration has declared a five-month ban on sea shell or mollusk extraction starting May 1, 2025. The prohibition, in line with the A&N Islands Marine Fishing Rules, 2004, will extend until September 30, covering both the commencement and expiry dates of the order. The closed season aims to provide adequate recovery time for marine species, particularly mollusks, whose population has been under pressure due to unregulated and increasing commercial harvesting. Sea shells, often collected for ornamental and commercial use, form a vital part of the island’s marine biodiversity. The closed season is crucial for spawning and ecological balance, officials noted.
A fragile ecosystem
Fishermen across the archipelago, especially in North and Middle Andaman, where mollusc harvesting is prevalent, have been strongly advised to adhere to the seasonal restriction. Authorities emphasized that non-compliance could invite strict penalties under the provisions of the 2004 regulations. The Department of Fisheries has circulated notices to local fishing communities, cooperatives, and relevant stakeholders. The advisory highlights the importance of the measure in sustaining long-term livelihoods for traditional fishers dependent on coastal resources.
“The ban period has been strategically placed during the breeding season of several mollusc species. It’s a conservation measure with long-term benefits,” said a senior official from the Fisheries Department. In recent years, the growing demand for conches, cowries, and other ornamental sea shells, used in handicrafts and jewelry, has led to intensified extraction along coastal belts. This has, in turn, disrupted breeding cycles and reduced mollusc densities in several shallow reef zones. According to marine biologists, overexploitation during breeding months not only leads to population collapse but also impacts predator species like crabs, octopuses, and certain fish that depend on molluscs for food.
To ensure effective enforcement of the closed season, patrolling efforts will be stepped up in high-extraction zones, and sensitisation drives will be carried out in fishing villages across North and Middle Andaman. The authorities are also working in tandem with environmental NGOs and marine conservation groups to raise awareness about the ecological necessity of the ban.
While some fishers have expressed concerns over the temporary loss of income, officials have urged communities to explore alternative livelihood options such as eco-tourism, aquaculture, or shore-based fish processing during the period. The closed season for sea shell extraction has become an annual fixture in the island’s fisheries calendar, aimed at aligning traditional livelihoods with sustainable harvesting practices. In the long run, the Administration believes this move will help preserve the natural wealth of the A&N Islands while ensuring the viability of marine-dependent communities.
India also enforces an annual fishing ban for 61 days every year along its eastern and western coasts to protect marine life and promote sustainable fishing practices. Commonly known as the monsoon fishing ban, this period coincides with the peak breeding and spawning seasons for many marine species. By temporarily halting large-scale fishing activities, the government aims to ensure the replenishment of fish stocks, safeguard biodiversity, and secure the livelihoods of coastal communities in the long term.
Annual fishing ban
The fishing ban is implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and applies primarily to mechanized fishing vessels such as trawlers and motorized boats, which are known to disturb breeding cycles during these critical months. However, traditional non-motorized fishing craft—such as canoes and country boats—are generally exempt from the ban, allowing small-scale fishermen to continue limited subsistence fishing without causing significant ecological harm.
The duration and timing of the ban vary between the two coasts to align with regional climatic and breeding patterns. On the East Coast, which includes states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, the ban is observed from April 15 to June 14. On the West Coast, covering states such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Goa, and Karnataka, the ban takes place from June 1 to July 31. These dates have been determined after years of study into the breeding behavior of various commercially important fish species.
Enforcement of the fishing ban is a joint effort between the central government and coastal state authorities. Penalties for violating the ban can include confiscation of catch, imposition of fines, and in serious cases, cancellation of fishing licenses. Authorities stress that strict adherence to the ban is essential not just for the health of marine ecosystems, but also for maintaining food security and economic stability among India’s vast fishing communities.
The annual fishing ban forms a critical part of India’s broader strategy to manage its marine resources sustainably, and reflects the country’s commitment to protecting oceanic biodiversity amid rising challenges such as overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation.
