News in Frames: Ban season, but the catch holds

Photo: K. R. Deepak Waiting tides: Traditional catamarans line the Bay of Bengal coast, venturing out in the absence of trawlers, as small-scale fishermen continue to rely on nearshore waters during the ban. Photo: N. Rajesh Scarce catch: Fish prices have surged during the 61-day annual ban, as limited nearshore catch by country boats struggles to meet demand after mampanised vessels were taken off the waters. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam Shallow hopes: Off Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai, small-boat fishermen continue to fish in shallow waters, sustaining livelihoods despite restrictions on larger fishing vessels.Photo: K.R. Deepak Waiting tides: Traditional catamarans line the Bay of Bengal coast, venturing out in the absence of trawlers, as small-scale fishermen continue to rely on nearshore waters during the ban.Photo: K.R. DEEPAK Idle fleet: Mechanised boats lie idle along the shore at Jalaripeta Fishing ColonyPhoto: B. Jothi Ramalingam At anchor: Rows of mechanised boats remain moored at Kasimedu harbour in Chennai, marking a pause in deep-sea fishing activity.Photo: L. Balachandar Mending time: In Pamban, fishermen carry out repair work on their mechanised .Photo: K. R. Deepak Rare haul: An unusually large tuna catch by catamaran fishermen is kept submerged at the harbour jetty in Visakhapatnam ahead of auction. The fish fetch ₹15,000–₹20,000 per piece amid high demand. Photo: N. Rajesh Rising rates: With supply limited to small-scale catches, fish markets are witnessing sharp price rises during the ban period.Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam Small break: At Kasimedu, technicians repair and service mechanised boats, as fishermen use the break for maintenance and upgrades. Published - May 03, 2026 09:40 am IST