The Cutbona Fishing Boat Owners Association convened to discuss the government’s decision to extend the fishing ban period from June 01–July 31 (60 days) to a new period of June 01–August 15, increasing the ban to 75 days. After deliberations, the boat owners agreed to the proposed extension, but with two key conditions.
Firstly, they insisted that the fishing ban should apply to the entire western coast, including Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, ensuring uniformity across the region. The second condition is that no mechanized boats rated above 9.9 horsepower should be allowed to venture into the sea during the ban period, aiming to protect fish stocks and promote sustainable fishing practices.
In addition to the fishing ban, the boat owners raised concerns about alleged extortion at the SGPDA market, where many park their vehicles. Initially, the parking charge was set at Rs 150 per hour, but they reported it has now been increased to Rs 300 per hour. The association expressed strong opposition to what they described as "extortion" and called for immediate action to stop the alleged exploitation of boat owners.
The association's stance highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the local fishing community, as they balance government regulations with economic pressures and rising costs.