Team Herald
MARGAO: In an order dated May 10, the Fisheries Department issued a government notification that was published in the official gazette banning LED lights among other such regulations.
The order was signed by Director of Fisheries/Ex-Officio Joint Secretary Fisheries, Dr Sharmila Monteiro.
This comes against the backdrop of the last few months where bitter battle was fought between Purse Seine Trawler owners who were in favour of LED lights and other sections of the fishing industry including mechanised boat owners and ramponkars against LED lights.
The order that comes into force with immediate effect covers two aspects. The first part of the order prohibits fishing in the specified area by bull or pail trawling.
“Use or installation of the fishing gears such as LED lights, fish light attractors or any other light equipment with or without generator, on mechanised fishing vessel or motorised fishing craft, for trawling, purse- seining or gill netting is prohibited,” reads the second part of the order.
The order was passed in exercise of the powers conferred by the sub section (1) and (2) of section 4 of the Goa Daman and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980, (ACT No3 of 1981). “The government of Goa having regard to the need to conserve fish and to regulate fishing on a scientific basis and need to protect the interest of the different section of persons engaged in fishing particularly those engaged in fishing using traditional fishing craft such as catamaran, country craft or canoe and the need to maintain law and order in the sea,” read the order.
