PORVORIM: Seeking the intervention of the central government to stop trawlers from Karnataka entering the State waters, Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai on Wednesday termed Karnataka as an irresponsible State when it comes to fishing.
“Trawlers from neighbouring Karnataka enter the State domain and indulge in practices like using LED lights while fishing or bull trawling. The Goa government has made a pitch for ban on fishing using LED lights and bull trawling fearing that if these practices continue the country will face fish famine,” Sardesai said, addressing the gathering at a workshop on LED light fishing outside territorial waters of coastal states/UTs.
“It is expected that in 2048 there will be no fish in the ocean as overfishing is going to completely finish the catch. We speak about sustainable development. These are good concepts but follow up is required because the basic concept is that this fishing using LED lights and bull trawling is resulting in over exploitation of the fisheries resources,” he said
He added that the issue is not restricted to Goa but affects the entire country. “Karnataka is one of the most irresponsible states. Trawlers from Karnataka are fishing here in our territory and going back and we cannot do anything. On behalf of Goan fishermen I am going to raise this issue with the Centre. We have so many resolutions taken by the union government to save fish production but what we see is fish famine fast approaching,” Sardesai said.
The minister further added that as an opposition MLA during his last tenure, he had been fighting against fishing using LED lights and bull trawling.
“Goa is not expected to do it alone, everyone should do it as we are looking at future generation which is going to suffer malnutrition. As a government we need to do something,” he said.
