Traditional fishermen from Colva have raised serious concerns over fishing trawlers allegedly operating within areas reserved exclusively for them, violating coastal fishing regulations and jeopardizing their livelihood.
According to the rules, only traditional fishing canoes are permitted to operate within 5 nautical miles from the shore. However, local fishermen allege that large mechanised trawlers are regularly entering these restricted zones, depleting fish stocks and causing damage to their nets and equipment.
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The intrusion is not only affecting daily catch volumes but also threatening the sustainability of traditional fishing practices that have supported local communities for generations.
Fishermen are now urging the authorities to step up patrolling efforts and enforce existing marine fishing regulations more strictly to protect their rights and preserve marine resources. They have also demanded stronger action against violators, including the confiscation of trawlers found operating in prohibited zones.
