Team Herald
MARGAO: Former Minister Churchill Alemao has demanded for an immediate ban on bull trawling in the State and called for harsh action against those indulging in such activity.
Stating that bull trawling is illegal and dangerous as it destroys the ecosystem and leads to depletion of fish stock, due to insensitive commercial practices, Alemao thereby threatening environment and marine resources of the State.
He was responding to concerns being raised by fishermen including from Benaulim constituency about illegal fishing being committed by trawler owners from Malpe, Karnataka.
Alemao also criticized the statements made by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Indian Coast Guard Manoj Bhatia that anyone from the country can come and fish within 12 nautical miles of Indian waters and more so that if fishermen from neighbouring States are fishing in Goa, it is not illegal.
Alemao first emphasised that it is illegal and pointed how the authorities in Karnataka or Maharashtra immediately take action if boats from Goa or other neighbouring states enter their territorial waters.
He questioned how as to how its was only legal in Goa and accused the DIG of not being ‘well versed’ with the law. He also added if this is the attitude, how will the Goan fishermen get the benefit from the authorities if they don’t stop the boats like those from Malpe entering Goan waters and also indulging in bull trawling.