Team Herald
PANJIM: The Fisheries Department has raised serious concern over water sports activities along the beach belts claiming that this is hampering fishing in those areas and has demanded proper demarcation of the area for water sports.
Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has directed the department to issue an advisory to the Tourism Department in this matter. During a recently held meeting, GCZMA granted its nod for erection of sheds for water sports activities for the tourism period from 2016-2019 as per the Tourism Policy.
Fisheries Director Dr Shamila Monteiro raised concern in respect of fishing activities in some areas and opined that as far as water sports activities are concerned, there needs to be proper demarcation carried out – ie fishing boats vis-à-vis vessels used for water sports activities.
“The demarcation is required so as to ensure the smooth functioning of fishing activities and make sure that the same are not hampered in any manner,” the minutes of the meeting state.
GCZMA was of the opinion that there should be a proper coordination between Tourism and Fisheries departments to resolve the issues and such an advisory be issued to Tourism Department.
Approximately 700 water sports operators are registered with the Tourism Department, who are granted NOC by the Captain of Ports for operation.
