All Goa Fishermen Union and GRE president Agnelo Rodrigues has slammed Velim MLA Benjamin Silva for allegedly violating the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1980 and has demanded that the Fisheries Director seize his boat and suspend his licence immediately. “Benjamin has violated Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act by fishing at night and for using LED lights, which is in blatant violation of Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1980. The MLA is using a 600 HP engine, which too is non-permissible under GMFRA,” Agnelo alleged. Agnelo further slammed Silva for allegedly extending his boat size, which is over 70 feet, which again violates section 12 of GMFRA. “We demand that the Fisheries Director seize his boat and suspend his licence immediately for violating section 4 of GMFRA,” Agnelo demanded. Criticising the Velim MLA, AGFU general secretary Olencio Simoes said, Silva had objected to the 61-day fishing ban period and now the MLA is allegedly making attempts to revoke the LED ban, which has been opposed by 90% fishermen including trawler owners. “Silva should know that there is a shortfall in fish catch in this season with effect from July 2015-June 2016. In 2014, the marine production, which witnessed a catch of 80,849 tonnes of sardines, dropped to 57,270 tonnes in 2015-16.This is precisely due to excessive fishing pressure in coastal waters upto 50m depth,” Olencio informed. On the use of LED lights, Simoes said, Fishing at night is banned throughout India. The question of fishing outside 12 nautical miles doesn’t arise as no boats from Goa have taken LOP from the Centre to operate outside 12 nautical miles. In addition, Goan boats are registered as per GMFRA clause (h) of section 2, which states no boat can fish beyond the territorial state waters,” he added.
M/s Herald Publications Pvt Ltd.