TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The hunt for the prized solar shrimp literally brought mechanised fishing vessels close to the shore on Saturday ~ in rampant violation of the fishing rules in force.
When rules mandate mechanised vessels to fish beyond five km distance from the shore, dozens of fishing vessels were spotted close to the shore within the distance.
When this was brought to the notice of the Fisheries Director, Dr Sharmila Monteiro, she admitted that mechanised vessels are mandated to fish beyond five kms from the shore. She, however, said that the department will intimate the coastal police to initiate action against erring vessels fishing in the sea in violation of the rules.
A visit to the Colva beach on Saturday noon revealed that the mechanised vessels were seen moving close to the shore. Though only a few vessels from Cutbona fishing jetty could venture out in the sea on Saturday, dozens of fishing vessels were seen off the Salcete coast, fishing close to the shore.
Traditional fishermen told Herald at the Benaulim beach that while the boat owners make a hue and cry when motorised vessels venture out in the sea during the ban period, the mechanised vessels are now violating the fishing rules by fishing close to the shore. “These mechanised fishing vessels cannot fish within the five km distance from the shore. But, every year, they violate the rule with impunity,” remarked the traditional fishermen.
Meanwhile, questions are raised whether the fisheries department has inspected the mesh size of the fishing nets used by the mechanised fishing vessels. Sources in the know informed that the fisheries officials are required to inspect the fishing nets to ensure that the vessels comply with the mesh size. It’s not uncommon to find dumping of small fish in the rivers or near the jetties during the fishing season every year.
