Fisheries Dept intensifies crackdown on illegal fishing

Umar Raina
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15 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 15: The Fisheries Department has intensified its drive against illegal fishing, deploying field staff across water bodies to ensure strict enforcement, officials said on Sunday. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, an official of the Fisheries Department said they are conducting daily patrols as part of a sustained programme to eradicate illegal fishing practices. “Our field staff is present everywhere. Wherever we sense illegal fishing activity, immediate action is taken,” she said. The official said that thousands of illegal gill nets have been seized during routine and special drives. “Last year, more than 3,000 gill nets were confiscated, generating a revenue of Rs 1.71 lakh. This year again, over 3,000 gill nets have been seized so far, with revenue amounting to Rs 1.56 lakh,” she added. The department’s primary objective, the official said, is to eliminate illegal fishing to protect aquatic resources. “Our staff remains alert at all times. Whenever we receive information about illegal fishing, teams rush to the spot and immediately curb such activities,” she said, appealing to the public and fishing community to cooperate and voluntarily stay away from unlawful practices. The official further said that alongside enforcement, the department is working on rehabilitating the fishermen community with support from the Central and UT governments. “We make every effort to secure funds for the welfare of fishermen and provide them with livelihood support,” she said. She added that registered fishermen are provided with legal fishing gear, including around 3,000 gill nets annually, along with assistance during the fishing ban imposed in the breeding season. “We also run various schemes related to gear and craft, including support for boats and nets,” she said. The official added that special disposal drives are also being conducted. “This year, illegal nets were disposed of during April and May, and today we are disposing of the second lot as part of our continued crackdown,” she said.