PANJIM: In a shocking revelation, the Fisheries Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues on Wednesday claimed that his department is incapable of controlling illegal; LED fishing and bull trawling in the State waters due to lack of manpower and equipment.

In 2017, the central government issued a notification banning LED fishing and bull trawling in the State waters.

However for last three years the fisherman claim the illegal business continued unabated.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the delegation of traditional fishermen, the minister admitted that the illegal business is underway but that his department is helpless.

Rodrigues said that his department is not equipped with the mechanism to nab the erring trawlers.

“My department is incapable of seizing the vessel and take control of illegal fishing”, Rodrigues said adding that his department depends on other agencies like Indian coastal guard and State Ports department for help.

He agreed to the apprehensions raised by the traditional fisherman

that due to advance technology in fishing, the marine life will be finished.

“I will soon hold a meeting to coordinate with other agencies so that the ban can be implemented in real spirit,” he stated.

He added that the fishermen have also raised the issue of several abandoned vessels on the jetties creating a nuisance.

“My department will identify such vessels and will issue notices to the owners asking them to remove it. We will give time to the vessel owner to get rid of the vessels,” he said.

In September 2019, the State government announced that it would heavily penalise trawlers found carrying out fishing with illegal methods.

However, till date nothing has been done and not even rules have been framed in this regard.