PANJIM: The traditional fishermen on Monday opposed the submission made by the Directorate of Fisheries before the High Court of Bombay at Goa that trawlers be allowed to have 150 KVA capacity generators fearing that it will encourage destructive fishing methods, such as LED lights, bull trawling, and contribute to the depletion of marine resources.
The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by Joaquim Reginaldo Mendes and 10 others opposing the use of LED lights for fishing.
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After the hearing, Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) general secretary Olencio Simoes said that the government lawyer was pressing for the generator of 150 KVA but the petitioners were completely opposed to any generator being used in the trawler.
Simoes said 150 KVA generator was not required to power devices except the high voltage LED bulbs. “If gensets are allowed, the fish catch will be completely depleted and traditional fishermen will have to commit suicide, like farmers,” Simoes added.
He said that the Directorate of Fisheries was not technically fit and had not substantiated any evidence to support its claim on using generators. “The department had accepted that they are not the technical body to understand what a generator is. If they are not technically sound then how can they argue saying that 150 KVA is required?”
He said, “The affidavit filed by Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro will have a rippling effect on all coastal land in India as all fishermen will start using it. The Director of Fisheries should come clear that whether she had auxiliary power or power for LED lights. We have said that we do not want the generator set. Since the Directorate of Fisheries was not competent, we have said that the entire enforcement should be given to the Coast Guard. The Goa Coastal Security Police had also said that they had only one interceptor and they cannot protect the coasts.”
The matter has now been posted for further hearing at 2.30 pm on Tuesday, August 20.
Meanwhile, the State government will introduce a degree course in fishing from next academic year, announced Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday during the ‘Narali Poornima’ celebrations, organised by the Directorate of Fisheries at Fisheries Jetty, Panjim.
Hit out at dept, director for inaction against illegal Malpe boats
MARGAO: Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) and allied organisations have criticised the Fisheries Department and Director Dr Shamila Monteiro for failing to prevent illegal Malpe boats from entering Goa’s territorial waters, despite numerous complaints.
The GRE claimed that Fisheries Director’s inaction demonstrates her lack of concern and renders her unfit for her position.
GRE highlighted the frequent entry of fishing boats from Malpe, Karnataka, into Goa’s waters as a significant problem. According to GRE, these incursions have led to severe issues that threaten the sustainability of marine resources and the livelihoods of local fishermen.
“The Malpe boats are reportedly using banned and destructive fishing gear, such as illegal nets and high-speed engines exceeding 300 horsepower, and engaging in bull trawling—practices that are banned in Goa’s territorial waters,” said GRE general secretary Olencio Simoes.
GRE claimed that the result is the complete depletion of marine resources, leaving local fishermen with little to no catch for the remainder of the season.
“The intensive fishing practices have resulted in overfishing and the rapid depletion of marine life in areas traditionally fished by Goan fishermen. This has significantly reduced local fish stocks, which are crucial for the livelihood of coastal communities,” Simoes said.
Raising concerns about the environmental damage caused by these boats, Simoes said, “The harmful fishing practices employed are reportedly destroying marine habitats and ecosystems that are essential for maintaining the health of Goa’s coastal waters,”.
Calling on the Home Ministry to take immediate action, Simoes urged the formation of a joint committee comprising the Coast Guard, Coastal Police and the Department of Fisheries to patrol.
GRE warned that the unchecked entry of these boats could pose a significant security risk to the State. These demands have been backed by the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) as well.
