Annual fishing ban in Rameswaram wraps up at midnight on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Local fishermen head back to sea after 61 days. This break,ordered by maritime authorities,aimed to protect marine ecosystems,support fish breeding. Only traditional boats,small trawlers operated close to shore,keeping commercial fishing at bay.
Fishermen ready to resume work . Many used downtime for repairs on mechanised vessels. But excitement mixed with ongoing challenges for fishing community.
P. Jesu Raja,leader of Mechanised Boat Fishermen Welfare Association,voiced concerns over local fishermen's plight. Over 25 Indian fishermen still in Sri Lankan jails. He urged Union government to act fast on their release. Association also pushed for Katchatheevu's return from Sri Lanka,seeing it as key for conflict-free fishing .
Community wants better rehabilitation packages. More compensation for seized or missing boats since 2025. These issues still hang over fishermen as fishing season reopens .
Fisheries Department official said Ramanathapuram district,covering Rameswaram,Mandapam,Pamban,has nearly 1,400 mechanised boats. Ban's end is near,but token issuance for fishing undecided due to strong winds forecasted till June 15. Official said boat return depends on weather conditions…
