CALANGUTE: Traditional fishermen from Baga-Calangute have alleged that they are being harassed by their counterparts from neighbouring states while fishing in the coastal waters close to the Calangute shore.
Speaking to media at Baga-Calangute on Sunday evening, they said fishermen from Malpe, Karwar and Shiroda on large trawlers have been fishing in the five-kms no-fishing zone with LED lights with the authorities turning a blind eye to the illegal activity.
“When we approach and tell them to stop, they threaten to destroy our nets with knives and there have been a couple of incidents when nets have been cut,” Simon Cardozo, one of the fishermen, said.
They said large trawlers from Malpe, at times numbering 60-70, come to the coast close to Calangute-Baga and do bull-trawling, taking away huge amounts of prize fish. Fishermen, who go out on small boats fitted with outboard motors, said they have been repeatedly complaining about this to the fisheries department and coastal police, but no action is being taken. “Because of this overfishing, our fish catch is dwindling. Earlier a lot of boats would go from Calangute-Baga, but now only six-seven of us go, so they take advantage,” Anthony Fernandes, a fisherman, said.
“If we go in their waters close to Shiroda (Maharashtra), then their authorities are prompt in taking action and seize our boats. We have to then pay a fine of Rs 5,000,” they said.
