The 47-day annual ban on deep-sea fishing in Puducherry came into effect on Saturday. The ban, enforced by the Fisheries Department, is aimed at facilitating breeding of fish. The ban would remain in effect from April 15 till May 31. Owners of mechanised boats have been instructed not to venture into the sea to avoid disturbance caused by trawlers to marine life during the breeding season. However, this restriction would not be binding on catamarans and country boats, which would continue fishing as usual at sea, an official said.