VASCO: Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has sharply criticized the fisheries department for its failure to protect marine resources and the livelihoods of local fishermen. GRE has demanded that the upcoming fishing season start with strict enforcement of the ban on LED light fishing and the impounding of all Malpe boats entering Goan territorial waters.
Camilo Souza, Vice President of GRE, expressed deep concern over the fisheries department’s inability to enforce the ban on destructive fishing gears. “Many fishermen are being displaced and are shifting to other professions as fishing is no longer viable,” Souza stated. Since 2016, there has been a consistent violation of the LED light fishing ban, with generator power escalating from 40kv to 170kv and 16 bulbs now generating 30,000 watts of power.
Olencio Simoes, General Secretary of GRE, highlighted that Goa was the first state to ban the use of all destructive gears but has lagged in implementing this ban. “In Sri Lanka, the fishing community has been completely displaced due to such destructive gear, and the same situation is occurring in other countries,” Simoes remarked. He emphasized the urgent need for the fisheries department to enforce the ban on LED lights, bull trawling, and high-speed engines.
Given the distressed situation of fishermen across the state, Simoes also called for the monsoon fishing ban to be extended to 90 days in the next season to allow ample time for fish stocks to replenish.
Fishermen Slam Fisheries Department Over Marine Resource Mismanagement
