Law introduced banning use of explosives in fishing activity

PORVORIM: The State govt on Tuesday introduced a law banning use of explosives like dynamite to catch or destroy fish in any waters of the State.

In absence of Fisheries Minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho introduced The Goa Marine Fishing Regulation (amendment) Bill, 2019, for regulating fishing in inland waterways. 

The bill also granted powers to State to notify the fish landing centre for landing and berthing of the fishing vessels. 

The bill has sought insertion of a new Section 18A, which prohibits the use of dynamite or other explosive substance, with intent to catch or destroy fish in any waters. “No person shall put any position, lime or noxious material in any waters with intent thereby to catch or destroy any fish,” the bill stated. 

The water includes the sea, within the distance of 12 nautical miles of the Sea coast. 

The bill also seeks mandatory govt permission for erection of fishing stake and registering of fishing net with the Directorate of Fisheries. It empowers the govt to appoint special officer from Directorate or police to act against those involved in violation of the rules.