Fishermen from Caranzalem on Wednesday met the Deputy Director of Fisheries seeking urgent clarity over re ports claiming that fish caught off Caranzalem beach contain heavy metals, warning that the claims were already dam aging livelihoods and eroding public trust. Terming the reports false and misleading, fishermen under the banner of the Caranzalem Raponkar and Traditional Fish ermen Association demanded that experts from Goa Univer sity and scientists from the Na tional Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, issue an of ficial clarification within three days on whether the fish is safe for human consumption.
The fishermen alleged that vested interests from builder and hotel lobbies were influencing or selectively amplify ing scientific findings to weaken traditional fishing liveli hoods. They said consumers had already begun avoiding fish landed at Caranzalem following the circulation of the report. Association president Francisco Zakaris Vas said the del egation submitted a memorandum highlighting two major concerns — the alleged pollution report and the erection of an unauthorised tower in the fishing zone. “We met the Deputy Director of Fisheries and submit ted a memorandum on two issues affecting fishermen. We raised concerns over reports indicating the presence of heavy metals in fish caught from the Caranzalem area and sought clarification on the report submitted by Goa Univer sity and the NIO. The report specifically mentions Caranza lem beach, but we firmly believe such pollution cannot ex ist in the sea, unlike in rivers. The report has created panic, with people calling us to understand the actual situation,” Vas said. Vas stated that migratory species such as mackerel, sar dines and solar prawns do not remain confined to a single location, questioning the basis of attributing contamina tion to fish caught off a specific beach. He demanded that a detailed study be conducted in consultation with fisher men and that a clear statement be issued within three days confirming whether the fish is safe for consumption. GoencheaRamponkaranchoEkvott (GRE) president Ag nel Rodrigues echoed the concerns. “When we met the Deputy Director of Fisheries, she was unaware of the re port. We have information that the government is attempt ing to promote two-star hotels and tourism-related activi ties at Caranzalem, which would destroy the livelihood of traditional fishermen. We will not allow this to happen, and if necessary, we will file a criminal case against those re sponsible for such reports,” said Rodrigues. Rodrigues said officials present at the meeting assured the fishermen that they would be taken into confidence. He added that the fallout was already visible in the market, with customers refusing to buy fish brought from Caranzalem. The fishermen also demanded the immediate removal of a tower erected in the Caranzalem–Miramar fishing zone, alleging that it was installed without consultation and was obstructing fishing operations. “We strongly oppose the unauthorised tower built in our fishing zone at the Caranzalem–Miramar sea beach and de mand its immediate removal. This beach area is crucial for our rapon net fishing and other related activities,” Vas said. Later, Fisheries Minister NilkantHalarnkar said the de partment had not yet received the report on the alleged fish pollution. “Once the report is received, I will respond. The Caranzalem fishermen have not met me,” he said. Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate stressed the need for a scientific and responsible approach, warning against unnecessary alarm. “The Caranzalem fish pollution issue must be studied properly. Experts must examine the matter scientifically. Creating fear among the public is not right. The Department of Fisheries should take steps to re store public confidence,” he said.
