Risking their lives using canoes, Goa’s traditional fishermen put up a brave front as they chased away Malpe trawlers off the Velsao coast, recently. The trawlers were fishing within three to four kilometres off the Velsao coast. They were within Goan territorial waters.
This is not the first time Goan fishermen drove away intruding fishing trawlers from neighbouring States, because there is absence of any affirmative action from the government to stop the illegal fishing activities in Goan waters. The large fishing vessels from the neighbouring states have been accused by the local fishermen for indulging in the banned fishing methods, including LED and bull trawling.
Ironically, this incident comes close on the heels of Fisheries Director, Shamila Mostnteiro’s removal from her post for her junket to Norway, which was organised by an influential fisherman, whom Monteiro allegedly allowed to construct a private jetty, without notifying it in the gazette as mandated. The same fishing tycoon is known to be a supporter of LED fishing, which is being vehemently opposed by the local traditional fishermen.
This has happened at a time when despite repeated appeals to the State Fisheries Department, the Union Fisheries Ministry and even petitions before the High Court, large-scale trawlers continue to brazenly deploy LED lights unabated. If the policy makers and its implementers are going to work against the interests of the common people, then who is going to safeguard the society?
As concerns escalate amongst the traditional fishing communities regarding LED fishing, calls are mounting for decisive action and sustainable policies to prevent further damage. This is a vital issue that deals with sons of the soil and essentially people who’ve been in the waters of Goa for generations together, carrying out one of Goa's most traditional occupations – fishing.
The massive trawlers of big fishermen coming into Goa’s waters are brazenly violating all rules and regulations with regard to fishing with powerful LED lights. But the government seems to be in deep slumber, not taking any affirmative action against the bull trawlers which are out to destroy Goa’s lifeline
Fish is one of the most important natural resources of the world and holds greater importance to the state of Goa, as it is an integral part of Goan life and culture. It is considered as a staple diet for more than 90 percent of the population of Goa. Goa shares nearly two per cent of the total marine fish production of our country. The marine fisheries sector contributes to about three percent of the state GDP and 17 percent of the agricultural GDP. Thus the fisheries industry plays a vital role in the State’s socio-economic development.
However, it is baffling to see the lack of affirmative action against the invasive bull trawlers, which are out to destroy our fish. If there won’t be any fish stock in Goa, the entire socio-economic structure of the State will collapse like a pack of cards. Local cuisine is a very important component of the tourism sector. People come to Goa from faraway places to not just enjoy the sun and sand, but also the fish thali. If there is not enough fish to feed the local population and the tourists, there will be complete mayhem.
Tourism is the major source of revenue for Goa, considering that the iron ore mining ban is not going to be lifted very soon. If the fish stock depletes, the local population and tourists, both will be adversely affected.
Does the government realise the implications of this impending danger? Is our establishment so insensitive that it is ready to allow its people to starve? People of Goa must come out of their homes and take the government to task. This can’t be allowed to continue for long. The masses must stand up stand up and force the government to act before it gets too late.