Catching Small Fish Will Now Cost You: Maharashtra Government Sets Minimum Legal Size; Violations to Invite Strict Action

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant step toward conserving marine life and ensuring sustainable fish production, the Maharashtra government has taken an important initiative. Based on recommendations from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), the government has set a Minimum Legal Size (MLS) for commercially important fish. The fisheries department will take strict action against anyone violating this rule.

Know the Minimum Size for Each Fish

Under these new rules, catching or selling fish smaller than the prescribed size will be completely illegal. The government has clearly defined the minimum size for major species:

Silver Pomfret and Bangda (Indian Mackerel): Minimum 14 cm

Prawns: Minimum 9 cm

Bombay Duck (Bombil): Minimum 18 cm

Surmai (Kingfish): Minimum 37 cm

With this implementation, Maharashtra becomes the second state in the country after Kerala to adopt such regulations.

Reason Behind the Decision

Government sources say the decision was inspired by the success of monsoon fishing restrictions, which prevented catching small fish and allowed them to grow and breed. A senior fisheries officer said,

“Due to the monsoon ban, fish had enough time to grow and reproduce, which significantly increased their numbers and improved the fish stock.”

Statistics support this claim. Before the monsoon this year, the pomfret stock in the state was 995 tonnes. After five months of effective control, it increased more than four times. This not only increased the average size of fish but also boosted business from ₹11 crore to over ₹350 crore.

Government Measures and Awareness Campaign

Maharashtra’s Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane reviewed the matter and instructed officials to strictly enforce the minimum size criteria. He said,

“It is necessary to protect fish species and secure fishermen’s livelihoods in the long term.”

The government is now conducting a large awareness campaign among fishermen, traders, and coastal communities regarding these new rules. Posters showing the correct size for different fish species have also been issued to ensure compliance.