GUWAHATI: The Assam government has put in place a set of seasonal restrictions on fishing activities across the state, aimed at protecting fish populations during their natural breeding period.
The Fishery Department issued a formal notification outlining the prohibitions, which will be enforced across all proclaimed fisheries under the Assam Fishery Rule, 1953.
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With effect from April 1 to July 15, 2026, the use of several types of fishing nets has been strictly prohibited. These include Berjal, Mahajal, and Fasijal nets, as well as any net with a mesh size smaller than 7 cm bar or 14 cm mesh.
The fine net known as Mosarijal — with a mesh size of less than 1 cm bar or 2 cm mesh — carries a year-round ban, regardless of season.
The notification also introduces a ban on catching brood fish of specific species from May 1 to July 31, 2026, under Rule 23-A(1) of the Assam Fishery Rules.
From August 1 to October 31, 2026, catching, killing, or selling undersized fish of certain species will also be prohibited, as per Rule 23-A(2).
Together, the layered restrictions cover the full arc of the fish breeding cycle — from spawning through early growth.
Officials said the restrictions are designed to allow fish to breed, propagate, and grow naturally in both managed fisheries and open water bodies across Assam.
The Fishery Department has called on all stakeholders — including fishermen, fishing operators, and traders — to strictly follow the guidelines in the interest of long-term, sustainable fish production in the state.