The All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) has slammed the Fisheries Department for failing to implement the fishing ban in letter and spirit. The fishermen alleged that there was rampant violation of the fishing ban as mechanized vessels were netting big catch in the Zuari River with the authorities turning a Nelson’s eye to illegalities. “Mechanised vessels were spotted poaching in the Zuari River setting their eyes on a big catch. These incidents totally violate the enforcement of fishing regulations and environmental protection in Goa,” said the fishermen.
AGSSRFU in a letter addressed to the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Coastal Security, the Director of the Department of Fisheries, and the Captain of Ports (CoP), alleged that five mechanised trawlers were fishing in the Zuari River from 10 pm till 2:30 am from June 5 to June 23. The letter, jointly signed by AGSSRFU President Shaila D’Mello, and Secretary Laximan Mangueshkar pointed out that such actions not only breach the monsoon fishing ban but also disregards the directions given by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court (HC).
According to the union, attempts to report these violations to the fisheries department control room have reportedly been ineffective. The letter states that complaints were lodged whenever the phone was operational, but no action was initiated against the illegal fishing activities till date. AGSSRFU has urged authorities to take urgent note of this breach and directed the authorities to conduct night patrolling in the Zuari River. They emphasised the need for strict enforcement of existing laws to prevent further trawling activities in the river.
“This incident has brought to light potential gaps in the monitoring and enforcement of fishing regulations in Goa. Environmental experts warn that such unchecked mechanized fishing during the monsoon season could have severe implications for the river’s ecosystem and fish populations, stated the AGSSRFU.