Government of India and Hyderabad, was inaugurated at Navelim by the Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza in the presence of other dignitaries on Thursday.
Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Sharmad Raiturkar, Ulhas Tuenkar Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro and others were present at the occasion.
The mega fish festival at Navelim will end on January 10. It is then scheduled to move to Mapusa from January 16 to 17.
Dy CM, Francis D’Souza wished good luck to the endeavour. He said “3/4th of our planet is under water and we know only 100 of the lakhs of kinds of marine life. The students have to be the part of this modern learning and realise that we have to protect the sea life. The fish fest is a positive move towards arresting the damage to sea life” he added.
The Director of Fisheries also officially declared ‘Xevto’ as the State Fish of Goa. The Director of Fisheries while explaining the nature and dynamics of the newly crowned state fish told that the Xevto can be fished throughout the year and makes up for 7% of inland fish produce of Goa. Xevto production touches 280 tonnes every year and this fish can grow normally till 25 to 35 cms and the maximum size recorded of this fish was over 100 cm. This fish grows well in aqua cultures is possible and the growth rate is very fast. “The common name of the fish striped grey mullet has been declared as a state fish which was actually long due. Now, we can work towards protection and increase in production of the fish,” Director Shamila said.
Master classes and talks for fishermen of Goa to share the new techniques of fishing will be held at the fest during the 3 days and organisations like ICAOR, NIO and others will be taking classes and talks for the fishermen.
The festival has over 44 stalls of Goa’s rich, varied and amazing underwater world, exhibitions and sales of various aqua products and variety of sea food delicacies. The highlight of the event is an aquarium fish gallery consisting of marine, fresh water, exotic and commercial fish, live fish pond, commercial stalls, competitions and quiz contests for children and adults, seminars, entertainment programme.
There will be various issues pertaining to the need of the hour in the Fisheries Sector. Eminent speakers and scientists from various prestigious Institutions will be available to interact at the festival.
