Tamil Nadu’s fisheries department has directed all fishermen operating along the state’s eastern coastal areas to return to shore by the night of November 12, ahead of a low-pressure area expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on November 13.
The advisory, issued by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, covers all categories of fishing vessels, including traditional country boats. It also requires boat owners and operators to ensure that their vessels are safely navigated back and securely moored at designated fishing harbours.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai forecast that the low-pressure area is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal on November 13, with the possibility of further intensification. The fisheries department issued the warning as a precaution for fishing communities operating along Tamil Nadu’s eastern coastline.
Under the advisory, fishing tokens will not be issued to any fishing boats from November 13, 2026, until further notice. The token system is used by the fisheries administration to regulate the departure of fishing vessels, making the suspension an operational restriction as well as a safety measure.
The department’s instructions apply to vessels already at sea as well as boats preparing to leave from coastal fishing harbours. Fishermen have been urged to follow weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department and advisories released by the fisheries department.
The warning highlights the role of coastal administration in managing weather-related risks to the fishing economy. Tamil Nadu’s eastern coast includes fishing settlements and harbour facilities where traditional boats and other fishing vessels depend on regular access to the sea. A sudden change in weather conditions can affect not only the safety of crews but also the movement, berthing and protection of boats at harbour facilities.
The official release did not specify the expected wind speed, rainfall totals, likely landfall location or the possible duration of the fishing restriction. It also did not announce when fishing tokens would resume. Those decisions will depend on subsequent weather assessments and advisories from the meteorological authorities.
The fisheries department has appealed to all fishermen to comply strictly with the safety instructions. The immediate next steps are for vessels to return to shore by November 12 night and for boat owners and operators to secure them at designated fishing harbours before the restriction on fishing tokens takes effect on November 13.
