In a move aimed at keeping a better watch on the state’s waters and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of India, fisheries department will incorporate rules along the lines of the Motor Vehicle (MV) Act in Goa to bestow non-gazetted officers of the forces manning Goa’s coastline with the rights to fine vessels violating rules. This, however, can only be done after the amendment of the existing Goa, Daman and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980, which stipulates that only a gazetted officer from the coastal police or directorate of fishing can legally stop and inspect a fishing vessel and impose fines for violations. “Currently the fine for illegal fishing is Rs 100 with a Rs 10 fine for repeat offence. Even to pay this meagre fine the department has to run through several procedures. Once the act is amended, we will prepare a complete list of violations and impose heavy fines against each one of the offences,” he said, adding that subsidy of the boat owner will also be cancelled by default for that period. Licences of offenders may be suspended, he said, adding, “We already have the power to do this, but we cannot implement these rules due to limitations in the existing act,” he said. Power to penalize violators will be with officers of coastal police and fisheries department, besides coast guard officers.