Calls for imposing fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and seizure of boats
MAPUSA
In a decisive move to protect the livelihood of local fishermen, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday instructed the Goa Police to arrest fishermen from other states found poaching fish in the territorial waters of Goa.
He also called for stringent action, including the imposition of hefty fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and the seizure of boats involved in such illegal activities.
The chief minister's directive came after a delegation of traditional fishermen met him at the Mantralaya to voice their concerns about the increasing threat to their livelihoods posed by out-of-state fishing vessels, particularly those employing harmful fishing methods such as bull trawling.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and Director of Fisheries were also present during the meeting, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
According to the fishermen, poaching by vessels from neighbouring Karnataka, specifically from Malpem, has significantly impacted their ability to sustain themselves.
The local fishing community claims that the use of destructive methods like bull trawling, which involves dragging heavy nets along the seabed, not only depletes fish stocks but also causes long-term damage to the marine environment, affecting future fishing prospects.
“Illegal fishing activities by non-Goan fishermen have become a growing menace. This government will not allow them to steal the livelihoods of our traditional fishermen who have been fishing sustainably for generations," said Sawant, expressing solidarity with the concerns raised by the delegation.
He assured the fishermen that his administration would act swiftly to enforce the State’s fishing regulations and curb the intrusion of poachers.
Sawant further highlighted that authorities would take a hard stance against offenders by enforcing the maximum penalty allowed under the law.
The meeting comes at a time when the traditional fishermen in Goa have been expressing growing frustration over the state's perceived inaction against illegal fishing by vessels from other states.
Fishermen in Goa adhere to strict fishing regulations, but claim that outsiders do not follow these guidelines, putting additional pressure on the marine ecosystem.
Speaking after the meeting, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of local fishermen and maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
"We are working in coordination with the Coast Guard and other agencies to ensure that poaching in our waters is stopped," he said.
The state government’s actions have been welcomed by the local fishing community, though they emphasise the need for continued vigilance.
