PANJIM: The All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) has criticised the State government for its inaction against alleged illegal fishing in Zuari river, which they say is a violation of the recent High Court (HC) directives in the matter.
It may be recalled based on the petition filed by the AGSSRFU, the HC on January 9, 2024 had directed that the authorities concerned to enforce the Act that prohibits mechanised fishing within 5 km from the coast in the sea and warned that action would be initiated against the officials if such activities take place in spite of the ban.
In its petition, the aggrieved had highlighted the fishing activities by mechanised vessels despite there being a clear statutory prohibition as per the notification dated July 7, 1981 issued by the government under Section 4(1) of the Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980.
The HC had directed the Director of Fisheries and Coastal Security Superintendent of Police (SP) to file separate affidavits within three weeks (end of January).
The matter was then posted for hearing on February 13, 2024 with the petitioner allowed to file a rejoinder petition.
However, on Thursday, environmentalists who work closely with the Union, showed video and photographic proof with GPS location to show that the alleged illegal fishing was taking place near Dona Paula.
The Union had earlier complained that most of their complaints with the authorities concerned were not being addressed.
When asked to explain what was illegal in the actions of the mechanised vessel they had found operating at around 11 am on Wednesday night, the environmentalist shared further details.
“Illegal mechanised fishing was taking place in the Zuari river in violation of HC directions. It was trawling within 5 km from the coast and fishing with purse seine nets within 5 km from the coast. Both the above are classified as mechanised fishing. Goa fishing laws ban mechanised fishing within 5 km from the shore. The HC has warned the SP, Coastal Security as well as Director of Fisheries against allowing such violations,” he added.
Fisheries union demands hike in petrol subsidy
PANJIM: In a representation submitted to the Fisheries Minister and other authorities, the All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) has urged the State government to clear backlog of petrol subsidies to fishing canoes and to also increase the petrol subsidy amount from Rs 30,000 to Rs 75,000.
They urged the Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar to address these issues during the upcoming Assembly session.
“The Petrol subsidy for fishing canoes given through the Department of Fisheries is facing serious delays. Subsidies for the year 2022 is still not distributed even though we are in 2024. There is a delay of two years. You are urged to direct the Fisheries’ Department to clear the backlog of petrol subsidies for the year 2022 and 2023 with immediate effect,” said Shaila D’Mello, the Union president.