Goan fishermen are facing a crisis that threatens their livelihood and the future of traditional fishing in the State, according to recent observations shared by Sebastian Rodrigues, a National Council Member of the National Platform for Small Scale Fish Workers (NPSSFW) and affiliated with the All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRF).
Following a visit to neighbouring Karnataka’s coastal districts of Mangaluru and Udupi, Rodrigues has raised alarm bells about issues that he believes are equally pressing for Goa’s fishing community. Chief among these concerns is what Rodrigues describes as a ‘fish famine’ in the Arabian Sea, which has left fishermen with empty nets since April 2024.
He attributes this crisis to large-scale fishing operations, including illegal practices like LED fishing, trawling, and bull trawling, which are depleting fish stocks at an alarming rate. “The situation in Karnataka is a mirror to what we’re experiencing in Goa,” Rodrigues stated, adding, “This is not just a Karnataka problem; it’s a crisis for all of us along the Arabian Sea coast.”
The NPSSFW warns that Goan fishermen are likely facing similar challenges to their Karnataka counterparts, including rising fuel costs, reduced fishing ban periods that favour large-scale operations, and the impacts of coastal erosion.
Rodrigues highlighted the reduction in fuel supply coupled with a significant increase in kerosene prices, from Rs 35 to Rs 57 per litre, describing it as a ‘dual blow’ that has cast doubt on the viability of fishing as a livelihood for many small-scale operators. “We need urgent action to protect our traditional fishing communities,” Rodrigues emphasised, adding, “Without intervention, the future of small-scale fishing in Goa hangs in the balance.”
These concerns from Rodrigues and the NPSSFW shed light on several key issues that demand immediate attention from Goan authorities and the fishing community. During his meetings in Sashihitlu village (Mangaluru) and between Kadipatna and Nadipatna villages (Udupi), Rodrigues noted that the sharp depletion of fish stocks due to aggressive fishing methods along Karnataka’s coast serves as a warning sign for Goa.
The NPSSFW asserts that these practices are not only unsustainable, but have also led to environmental challenges, such as severe coastal erosion at the border of Udupi and Mangaluru districts, where the Shambhavi and Nandini rivers meet the sea. This erosion has affected nearly three kilometres of coastline, particularly impacting the fishing community in Sashihitlu village. The organisation views this as a precursor to similar problems for vulnerable coastal areas in Goa.
Another pressing issue, according to NPSSFW, is the reduction of the fishing ban period for large-scale fisheries from 90 to 60 days, who contend that this policy change has disadvantaged small-scale fishers who previously benefited from reduced competition and better prices during the longer ban period.
Moreover, they lamented that these fishers received no compensation during the ban period, further compounding their financial difficulties. Unusual weather patterns, with rough seas, have also exacerbated the situation. Rodrigues observed that while small-scale fishers are unable to venture out due to these conditions, larger vessels continue to operate, often using controversial methods like LED fishing and bull trawling, further depleting the fish stocks.
In light of these challenges, Rodrigues reported a growing call among fishers for a coastal alliance of small-scale fish workers spanning the entire Arabian Sea coastline from Kerala to Gujarat. The NPSSFW believes this proposal would find strong support among Goan fishers who face similar issues. “We need a united front to advocate for sustainable fishing practices and supportive policies,” Rodrigues stated.
The organisation sees the situation in Karnataka as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Goa’s fishing community. With depleting fish stocks, rising operational costs, and environmental concerns, the NPSSFW warns that the future of small-scale fishing in Goa hangs in the balance. As these issues continue to unfold, Rodrigues and the NPSSFW emphasise the need for immediate action from local authorities to implement sustainable fishing practices and policies to ensure the survival of Goa’s traditional fishing communities.