Mangaluru: District In-charge Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said that deep-sea fishing in the district will begin from September 1.

Owing to the fear of the spread of Covid-19, fishing activities had been affected in the district, he added.

Poojary, while chairing a meeting in the DC’s office on Tuesday said that the fishing period normally begins from August 1. 

About 75% of the labourers engaged in fishing hail from outside the state. Those who wish to come back to Mangaluru for work should apply under Seva Sindhu portal and undergo Covid-19 test, he said.

“Only those who are tested negative can enter the district. As per the guidelines of the state government, they have to remain in quarantine for 14 days. The fish boat owners should take the responsibility of the labourers,” he added.

The district administration will conduct free swab test on labourers who come from outside the state and they can remain quarantined in the boat by maintaining three-meter distance. The market should be sanitised daily.

Additional Deputy Commissioner M J Roopa said that retail business in ‘dhakke’ (fisheries port) was banned completely.

A team of volunteers should be deployed by the fishermen association to take up thermal screening of those who enter the port, she added.