Maharashtra Resumes Deep-Sea Fishing; Coastal Restrictions Within 12 Nautical Miles to Continue Till August 15

Mumbai, 2nd August 2026: The Maharashtra government has resumed deep-sea fishing operations after lifting the annual monsoon fishing ban from August 1. However, mechanised fishing vessels will continue to be prohibited from operating within 12 nautical miles of the state’s coastline until August 15 as part of measures to protect marine biodiversity and fish breeding.

The seasonal fishing ban is imposed every year during the monsoon to allow fish to breed and replenish marine resources. While fishing in deeper waters has now resumed, the Fisheries Department has retained restrictions in the near-shore zone to safeguard juvenile fish and other marine species that remain close to the coastline even after the breeding season.

Officials said the continued restrictions are aimed at ensuring sustainable fish stocks and maintaining the long-term health of the marine ecosystem. Mechanised fishing boats found operating within the restricted 12-nautical-mile zone before August 15 will face legal action under the state’s fisheries regulations. Authorities have also intensified monitoring along the coast to ensure compliance.

The decision to reopen deep-sea fishing ahead of the previously announced August 15 timeline has, however, drawn criticism from some fishermen’s unions. They claim the move primarily benefits large commercial trawlers, while traditional and small-scale fishermen may struggle to resume operations at short notice.

The Fisheries Department has urged all fishing vessel operators to strictly adhere to the restrictions and cooperate with enforcement agencies until the coastal ban is fully lifted on August 15.