Team Herald
PANJIM: Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar announced on Friday that coastal police will enforce strict 24×7 surveillance against illegal fishing starting from October 5.
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“Boats from Malpe have been entering our waters and traditional fishermen have raised concerns. Starting Saturday, the Coastal Police will maintain a constant vigil. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has issued strong directives to stop illegal fishing,” Halarnkar said.
He added, “boats from outside enter, fish and then flee. We have decided to secure the coastline from Chapora to Canacona to ensure no further complaints from fishermen.”
Recently, Chief Minister had stated that fishermen from other States found fishing in Goa’s territorial waters will face arrest, fines up to Rs 10 lakh and boat seizures. He issued these orders after meeting a delegation of traditional fishermen in Porvorim.
Last week, Goa’s traditional fishermen, risking their lives in canoes, successfully chased away Malpe trawlers off the Velsao coast.
They were within Goan territorial waters, close to Grand Island and Bat Island.
