Goencho Goencho Raponkancho Ekvott’s General Secretary, Olencio Simoes, has raised serious concerns about the Fisheries Department’s failure to address the persistent issue of boats from Gujarat and Karnataka illegally fishing in Goa’s territorial waters. Over the past two weeks, instances of boats from these neighboring states encroaching upon Goa’s fishing grounds have escalated.
Despite hundreds of such boats blatantly operating within Goa’s territorial waters, the Fisheries Department has been accused of being a passive bystander. Crew members of these intruding boats have been reported to harass Goan fishermen at sea and damage their fishing nets, further exacerbating the situation.
Camilo Sousa, Vice President of GRE, has questioned the government on how traditional fishermen can sustain their livelihood when illegal fishing activities continue year-round. He warned that if left unaddressed, such incursions may set a precedent for Goa’s own boats to engage in illegal activities like LED lights fishing in the future.
The ongoing incursions have stirred outrage among local fishing communities, who are demanding immediate action and protection of their fishing grounds to safeguard their livelihoods.