Team Herald
PANJIM: In a bid to crack down on illegal fishing activities, particularly the controversial use of LED light fishing, the Goa Fisheries Department has launched a drone surveillance pilot project to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts across coastal waters.
Speaking to reporters in Porvorim, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar explained that drone technology will significantly improve real-time monitoring of violations, especially in areas where traditional patrolling is difficult.
“For the last ten days, drone surveillance is being carried out. These drones have the capacity to monitor around ten kilometres of area, although our jurisdiction extends up to 12 kilometres into the sea. The cameras are able to capture details of the staff on individual boats. This service has been initiated on a pilot basis for two months,” Halarnkar said.
The Minister further stated, “In the forthcoming fishing season, we will be able to monitor boats while seated in our Panjim office. This will be especially useful in keeping a check on illegal fishing using LED lights. A tender will now be issued, and the drone service will be extended for a period of one year. The drones will be operated from our office in Panjim.”
Illegal fishing practices, including bull trawling and LED light fishing, have raised alarm among environmentalists and traditional fishing communities, due to their destructive impact on the marine ecosystem. These methods often attract and trap juvenile fish and other marine species, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.
Local fishing communities have long demanded stricter penalties, increased surveillance, and a complete ban on LED fishing. The introduction of drone surveillance is seen as a significant step toward addressing these concerns.