Fishing boats were anchored along the Arabian Sea coast at Pali Beach on the outskirts of Mumbai on May 27 as India’s annual west coast fishing season drew to a close ahead of the monsoon ban.
Local fishermen traditionally halt operations from June 1 to July 31 because rough seas, strong winds and continuous rain during the monsoon season can endanger crews and damage boats.
Under India’s annual 61-day monsoon fishing ban, mechanised vessels and trawlers operating along the west coast – including Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Gujarat – must remain off the seas during the breeding season to protect marine life and ensure fisher safety.
Traditional non-motorised boats are exempt and may continue limited near-shore fishing.
Authorities in some coastal states have also intensified enforcement measures, including drone surveillance and patrol operations, to prevent illegal trawling during the ban period.
