Bhubaneswar, June 15: After a two-month-long fishing ban was lifted, joy returned to the faces of fishermen along the Odisha coast. Fishermen ventured back into the sea and returned with substantial catches on the very first day. At four major fish landing centres, more than 50 quintals of fish were recorded from the nets of fishermen.

In Balasore district’s Bhograi block, fish landing centres such as Udaypur, Talsari, Ransinhapur, and Kirtania witnessed the sale of fresh marine fish as fishing activities resumed. Over 300 boats set out to sea from these centres and safely returned after their first day of fishing.

The fishing ban, which remained in place for two months, had affected both fishermen and consumers, causing widespread difficulties. With the reopening of the sea, normal fishing operations have resumed, bringing relief to the fishing community.

However, fishermen reported that due to cloudy weather conditions, fish catch remains inconsistent. They added that with the onset of the monsoon and rough sea conditions during the Raja season, the sea may become more active, potentially increasing fish availability and improving future catches.

Meanwhile, reports also suggest that thousands of fishing trawlers have set out to sea from Digha harbour in neighbouring West Bengal as fishing activities resume across the coastal region.