MARGAO: The Fisheries Department has concern for the fishing community of Goa and will work hard to keep strict vigil on the bull trawling by boats from other States, and the department will not allow disaster to happen due to illegal fishing activities, said Fisheries Minister Filip Neri Rodrigues.

He also appealed to the trawlers, boat and canoe owners to be informers about the illegalities going on in the restricted waters of Goa.

It may be recalled that day before Congress leader and representative of Ramponkar community Olencio Simoes had accused the Fisheries Department for not keeping strict vigil on the illegal fishing activities in Goan waters by outsiders.

He had also said that it is an utter shame that the local fishermen have to be vigilant and catch the boats from Karnataka, rather than the Fisheries Department.

“The Fisheries Department has failed to act on illegal bull trawling by Malphe boats for the last two years in the territorial waters of Goa”, Olencio had alleged.

Speaking to the media, the fisheries minister said the department will ensure that there is strict vigil on illegal fishing activities by the fishermen of other States.

“Action is a continuous process. We had seized two boats with the help of local fishermen, and hence nobody can allege that the department is not taking any action against the illegalities. Yes, we need cooperation and support from the traditional fishermen, besides others involved in fishing activities to crack on illegalities”, he stated.

Filip Neri said vigilance in the waters should be organised and it is not only the duty of Fisheries Departments but others also should support.

He also appreciated the efforts and sensitivity of local fishermen with regard to keeping eye on the fishing activities by outsiders in Goan waters.

“I cannot allow disasters to happen due to illegal fishing in Goa”, said the minister.