PANAJI
Two fishing trawlers from Malpe have been seized by the Fisheries Department for illegal fishing activities in Goan waters and have been brought to the fisheries jetty in Panaji.
Local fisherman John Lobo expressed concerns, stating, “We took one boat and went into the water; we noticed they were bull trolling and had three sessions between 12 to 15 meters. The police were with us, if we are alone, they attack us.” Lobo highlighted the impact of illegal fishing on their livelihoods, demanding stringent action and hefty fines.
In response, Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halankar assured that strict measures would be enforced against the Malpe fishermen, who claimed they were operating in deeper waters outside Goan jurisdiction.