Livelihood Support to Marine Fishermen during Fishing Ban Period

Livelihood Support to Marine Fishermen during Fishing Ban Period is a government scheme that gives financial help to marine fisher families in Odisha whose income is affected by seasonal and year-round fishing bans in turtle conservation zones. For 2026, the state has announced monthly compensation of ₹1,500 for three months to about 12,000 fishermen during the 61-day fishing ban.

Livelihood Support to Marine Fishermen during Fishing Ban Period - Introduction

Livelihood Support to Marine Fishermen during Fishing Ban Period is a dedicated scheme under the Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) run by the Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Government of Odisha. It provides essential money help to marine fisher families living in coastal areas where traditional livelihoods are interrupted by strict fishing prohibitions.

These prohibitions are required to protect turtle nesting and breeding grounds. The scheme covers families affected by the year-round fishing ban in regions such as Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, and the areas around the Devi and Rushikulya River mouths. Since many fisher families depend fully on sea fishing for their daily bread, this support helps them survive the two main ban periods: the seven-month restricted period (1st November to 31st May) and the uniform annual ban (15th April to 14th June).

For the 2026 fishing ban, the Fisheries department decided to give a monthly compensation of ₹1,500 each to around 12,000 fishermen during the 61-day ban in the sea from 15th April to 14th June. This comes to a total of ₹4,500 paid in three monthly installments. The compensation is meant to ease the money strain on poor fishermen during the conservation period.

Area of Operation:

This scheme actively supports eligible fishers located in the marine districts of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Ganjam.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme makes sure you get direct support to manage your household expenses during periods when fishing is prohibited. The benefits include:

• You will receive a monthly compensation of ₹1,500 for three months during the 61-day fishing ban, making a total of ₹4,500 for the period.
• The amount is paid in three monthly installments between April and June.
• Only fishermen who contributed ₹1,500 over a period of nine months under the Saving-cum-Relief scheme are entitled to this support.
• The funds are transferred directly into your verified bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Eligibility

To qualify for this financial support, you should meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be an active marine fisherman residing permanently in Odisha.
• Your age should be between 18 and 60 years for the 2026 fishing ban compensation.
• You should have contributed ₹1,500 over a period of nine months under the Saving-cum-Relief scheme.
• You must hold a valid identity and residential proof, specifically an Aadhaar card and a bank account in your own name within Odisha.
• If you are a boat owner, you should possess a valid registration and a fishing license.
• If you are a crew member or a worker involved in sorting and grading, you should provide a certificate from a registered boat owner.

Important: Around 1.5 lakh marine fishermen live in the state, but only 12,000 deposited their contribution under the Saving-cum-Relief scheme. So only these fishermen are entitled to get the total amount of ₹4,500 in three installments.

Application Process

To avail of this scheme, you should follow the official offline application process:

STEP 1 - Keep an eye on departmental announcements through the official website, local newspapers, or posters at your District and Block Fisheries offices.

STEP 2 - Obtain the prescribed application form from the official source.

STEP 3 - Fill out the form correctly and attach self-attested copies of your documents. Show your original documents to the Assistant Fisheries Officer (Marine Extension Unit) during submission.

STEP 4 - A District Level Committee, chaired by the Sub-Collector, will review your application. Once they approve it, your name will be included in the beneficiary list, and the funds will be transferred to your bank account.

Documents

You should prepare the following documents for your application:

• Aadhaar Card (photocopy)
• Voter ID card (photocopy)
• Ration Card (photocopy)
• Bank passbook first page (photocopy)
• Boat Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Valid Fishing License
• Certificate from boat owner (for crew members or ancillary workers)

References

Official Scheme Guidelines

Scheme Guidelines 2022-23 PDF

New Indian Express - 2026 fishing ban compensation report

FAQ's

What is the aim of the scheme?

The scheme aims to support the livelihood of marine fisher families in and around environmentally sensitive turtle nesting areas of Odisha.

Which department manages this initiative?

The Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha, manages this scheme.

How much money will I receive in 2026?

Eligible fishermen receive ₹1,500 per month for three months during the 61-day fishing ban, making a total of ₹4,500.

Who can apply for the scheme?

This scheme is for individual marine fishermen who are permanent residents of Odisha, aged between 18 and 60 years, and who contributed under the Saving-cum-Relief scheme.

When do I get the money?

The financial aid is processed and paid in three monthly installments between April and June.

How is the selection list finalized?

A District Level Committee, chaired by the local Sub-Collector, verifies all applications and prepares the final beneficiary list.

Can I apply if I am a crew member?

Yes, crew members of registered boats can apply, provided they submit a certificate from their boat owner verifying their employment.