In a major move to strengthen coastal monitoring, the Goa Fisheries Department has launched a drone surveillance pilot project aimed at curbing illegal fishing activities, including the controversial use of LED light fishing.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar confirmed the initiative, stating that drone technology will allow authorities to monitor violations more efficiently and in real-time, particularly in areas that are difficult to patrol regularly.
“We are starting drone surveillance as a pilot project. Our main focus will be on identifying and taking action against illegal fishing practices, including LED fishing, which has been a persistent issue,” said Minister Halarnkar.
LED fishing, banned in Goa, involves the use of high-intensity lights to attract fish and is considered harmful to marine biodiversity. Despite the ban, instances of its use by out-of-state vessels have continued to raise concern among local fishing communities.
The new initiative is expected to bolster enforcement capabilities by offering aerial visibility over large coastal stretches, ensuring timely intervention and data collection for evidence-based action.
Officials added that based on the success of the pilot, the drone surveillance program may be expanded to cover the entire coastline and inland water bodies in a phased manner.