Karwar: As the monsoon fishing ban ended on Monday after a gap of two months, fishing activities are set to begin in all the five coastal taluks of the district on Tuesday.

Just before the start of the monsoon season every year, the Fisheries Department imposes a ban on fishing with mechanized boats. But, traditional boats without motors are allowed. All the mechanized boats would be anchored in the jetty.

In these two months (from June 1 to July 31), fishermen would take up oiling, painting and repair of their boats and ready their equipment for a fresh start. On Monday, fishermen were seen giving final touches to their boats. Many were seen loading nets into the newly painted boats. Some checked the technical side, while others went for trial runs for a few nautical miles. There was a festive mood at Karwar port.

Deputy director of fisheries department M L Doddamani said that there are 1,094 registered boats in the district, of which 876 were used for fishing last year and others remained unused due to technical problems. The department has already issued passbooks to the registered boats to give them diesel at discounted price. First they buy diesel giving the full amount and later they get subsidy in their bank accounts. The government gives subsidized diesel up to 300 litres per day.

Speaking to the reporters, fishermen leader Mohan Bolashittekar said that it’s like a festival for them. “As reproduction of fish would take place in the deep sea during June 1-July 31, we will get huge quantity of fish".