Mangaluru: Even though the lockdown has been extended for the next two weeks, traditional fishing activities will be allowed in three districts in the coastal region from Sunday, April 12.

Minister for Fisheries and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary informed that the decision was taken as per the direction of both the central and state governments.

However, fish vendors have been advised to maintain social distance while carrying out their business and cooperate with the district administration in containing the spread of COVID-19.

With this decision, over 12,000 traditional fishermen from the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Karwar districts will start their fishing activities from Sunday.

It can be noted that after the announcement of the lockdown, traditional fishermen anchored their boats and stopped fishing activities, causing them to lose revenue. Now, the traditional fishermen can breathe easy, however, the ban on the use of fishing using mechanised boats will continue, sources said.