VASCO: The ongoing tussle between the canoe owners and the boat owners (trawler owners) reached its peak as three different canoe owners associations have alleged that the fish purchasing agents have been refusing to purchase their catch due to standing instructions from boat owners.
To resolve the issue, all three canoe owners associations including Desterro Fishermen Association, Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Cooperative Society, Khariwado and Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owners Society, Katem Baina have sought the intervention of Director of Fisheries, Vasco police as well as deputy collector.
According to the information, the canoe owners recently had called for a meeting to discuss the matter regarding selling of fish of canoe owners to the agents purchasing fish from them. Thus it was informed to them by the agents that they have been informed by the boat owners not to take fish from canoe owners in their loading area.
“The practice of purchasing of fish by the agents at loading area under boat owners is being carried out since last several years. However, this year the agents have been told not to purchase the fish at their loading area which is hampering our sales. Also the agents at the meeting called by us informed us that they are willing to purchase fish from us provided the boat owners allow them to do so,” said Custodio D’Souza, President of Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Cooperative Society, Khariwado.
