Alleging that trawlers are carrying out illegal fishing during the night along the Zuari river, traditional fishermen have filed a complaint with the department of fisheries and Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar. The traditional fishermen registered under the Bharat Mukti Morcha they are mainly from Odxel, Cacra, Nauxi, Bambolim, Siridao, and Curca villages whose livelihood depends on fishing with small canoes alleged that illegal fishing is being carried out by trawlers harming the ecological balance of marine resources in the Zuari. As per the law in force, trawlers and mini-purse seine boats are banned from fishing within five kilometres of the riverbank. These trawlers are regularly carrying out illegal fishing every night between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. in the river Zuari right from the bank at Odxel to Siridao. The illegal fishing is mockery of the law and indicates the failure of enforcement agencies and the state administration, said the letter written by the traditional fishermen to Palyekar. The fishermen said that illegal fishing by trawlers in the river and close to the shore is destroying the marine resources and as well as their livelihood. The traditional fishermen have urged Palyekar to intervene in the matter and protect their interest and initiate an action immediately against the illegal fishing activities in the Zuari. A senior officer of the fisheries department said that directions have been issued to the enforcement wing of the department to take necessary action in the matter. We have asked our enforcement wing to identify the trawlers which violate the laws and carry out illegal fishing and take stern action against their owners. We have also asked the law enforcement officials to intensify the patrolling, especially during the night, the officer said.