In a joint operation, the Goa Fisheries Department and Coastal Police apprehended a fishing vessel Savitri (IND.GA.01.MM.421) equipped with approximately 22 massive LED lights for violating fishing regulations. The trawler was intercepted 14 kilometres away from the Chapora coast on Sunday night.
The detained vessel was found equipped with high-capacity generators and an array of powerful LED lights – equipment strictly prohibited under fishing regulations due to its devastating impact on marine ecosystems. Preliminary investigations suggest that Savitri was functioning as an auxiliary lighting vessel, providing illumination for a larger fishing operation that managed to evade authorities during the raid.
The joint operation marks the first major seizure of a Goa-registered boat involved in the banned practice of LED fishing at sea. Earlier instances have been of boats from other States or LED lights found on boats parked at the jetty in the recent past.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has vowed strong legal action against those responsible, stating that the government will not tolerate illegal fishing practices that threaten Goa’s marine resources. “His seizure sends a clear message that we are serious about enforcing fishing regulations,” Halarnkar told reporters.
Traditional fishermen have raised concerns about the Fisheries Department’s stance in ongoing court hearings, where officials maintained that generators aboard fishing vessels were not connected to LED light fishing operations. “The department has been claiming these generators have legitimate uses and aren’t for LED fishing,” said a GRE representative. “But we’ve always known they’re specifically installed to operate illegal LED arrays.”
The enforcement action comes after sustained pressure from traditional fishing communities organized under the Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE). The group had submitted a formal complaint to the Fisheries Department on March 19, highlighting the widespread use of banned LED fishing equipment and its destructive consequences for fish stocks.
Traditional fishermen argue that LED fishing, which typically employs massive 60-150 KVA generators to power underwater lights, devastates juvenile fish populations and marine habitats. The bright lights attract and trap entire schools of fish, including immature specimens, disrupting the marine food chain.
While authorities have not yet disclosed ownership details of the seized vessel or the exact quantity of fish recovered, fisheries officials confirm that investigations are continuing, with the possibility of additional arrests.
The incident has reignited debate about enforcement effectiveness, with fishermen calling for more frequent patrols and stricter penalties. Many argue isolated operations are insufficient to curb banned fishing methods threatening Goa’s marine biodiversity. Authorities have assured intensified surveillance along Goa’s coastline, particularly in areas known for illegal fishing activity.
This matter is also being monitored by the High Court who are expected to pronounce its judgment in the case where fishermen groups have complained about poor enforcement of the rules by the Fisheries Department and Coastal Police in combating illegal fishing practices and use of illegal fishing equipment too.