Despite the government providing official assurances of initiating stringent action against destructive fishing practices using LED devices to the High Court of Bombay at Goa, trawlers continue to operate illegally and are causing immense damage to the marine eco system, lament traditional fishermen in Goa.
In the latest incident, fishermen spotted trawlers using LED lights near Bat Island in Vasco on Sunday night around 8.30 pm, with video evidence of the violation being submitted to O Heraldo. They have now questioned the government for failing to keep up to its word and now allege that many boats including trawlers, employ high-powered artificial lights to aggregate fish schools and ensure a bountiful catch.
Traditional fishermen say that this practice is depleting the marine resources and affecting their livelihoods. In the latest incident, fishermen spotted trawlers using LED lights near Bat Island in Vasco on Sunday night around 8:30 pm, with video evidence of the violation being submitted to O Heraldo.
The footage, shared by sources on condition of anonymity fearing retaliation, emerges as the HC is expected to deliver its judgment shortly on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Goa Foundation and various fisher associations regarding the illegal use of LED lights in fishing. The controversy surrounding LED fishing has intensified following the court’s stern criticism of State authorities during previous hearings for their lenient approach to enforcement. The HC expressed concern over authorities letting violators off with “paltry” fines of Rs 5,000 without equipment seizure, stating that such nominal penalties would render the ban ineffective.
The court’s rebuke came after the Indian Coast Guard reported identifying 17 fishing boats engaged in LED fishing, though the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction limited them to only reporting violations to the Directorate of Fisheries.
The impact of LED fishing on traditional fishing communities has been severe. Local fishermen report significant business downturn over the past three years, with many workers abandoning the trade due to diminishing catches. The bright LED lights attract various marine species, including baby king prawns, kingfish and crabs, disrupting natural fishing patterns and affecting the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities.
The enforcement challenges are complicated by evolving tactics of those engaging in illegal LED fishing. Reports indicate that vessels now operate between midnight and dawn to avoid detection, often using multiple dinghies and conducting operations in deeper waters. Despite video evidence being presented to the Fisheries Department, traditional fishermen claim that meaningful action remains elusive.