The mandatory 61-day fishing ban imposed on mechanized trawlers in the state should be increased to 90 days, suggested the Goa Consumer Action Network (GOACAN), who is soon to write to the state fisheries department in this regard. The move follows a recent meeting held by the forum’s members to discuss the depletion of fish in the state. “There has to be proper legal education among the fishing community about the changing times and demand for fish. A longer breeding period is better,” said GOACAN convener Roland Martins. He suggested that the fisheries department list individual breeding seasons of fish species and disseminate such information to citizens in order to help them make informed choices. GOACAN will also speak to the fisheries department about ‘Know Your Fish’, an online outreach initiative promoting the responsible consumption of seafood. TOI had recently reported that the website, conceptualised by three marine researchers, provides information on the best months to consume a particular species of seafood and periods when it should be absolutely avoided. “We will mention to them (fisheries department officials) that such a website exists. They need to decide whether or not to adopt it. The department needs to be proactive in sharing such information with members of the general public,” Martins said. The forum is expected to submit its memorandum to the fisheries department before June 5.