Team Herald
MARGAO: A concerned citizen from Colva, Calvert Gonsalves, has raised alarms about the adverse effects of LED light fishing and bull trawling along Goa’s coastline, in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Chief Secretary. These fishing practices, occurring within 500 metres to 3 kilometres from the shore, are reportedly devastating fish habitats and threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Gonsalves, ex deputy Sarpanch of Colva panchayat emphasised that these destructive methods are not only harming the fishing community but are also leading to a ‘fish famine’ in the region. He called for urgent government intervention to safeguard the sustainability of the fishing industry, which is integral to both the economic stability and cultural heritage of Goa.
In his letter, Gonsalves suggested practical steps to tackle the problem, such as equipping the Fisheries Department with speed boats for effective patrolling and establishing a 24x7 distress number similar to a flying squad. He also advocated for a dedicated police team to support enforcement efforts.
According to Gonsalves, bull trawling is occurring at least three times a week, and LED light fishing every alternate day, except during moonlit nights. These activities, he claimed, have disrupted the natural breeding cycles of fish, causing a ‘fish famine’.
“The fishing industry in Goa is going, going and gone. During the year, various types of fish come to breed in the shallow waters of the coast, bays and near hills on the coast. The shore is full of tiny fish like Queenfish, who eat plankton, shellfish, sand crabs, mole crabs and ‘saiye’. Bigger predator fish come and eat the smaller fish and nature’s cycle of dependence on one another continues,” he said.
He further alleged that some Malpai fishermen, involved in these practices, are protected by a larger “fishermen mafia” in Goa, which controls both the sale of fish and fish processing. He alleged that there is also a verbal contract/understanding made between the Goan fish mafia and the Malpai bull trawling fishermen.
In addition, Gonsalves called for the fish meal plants in Goa to cease operations between August 1 and October 30, arguing that reducing demand for juvenile fish during this period would curb overfishing. He also recommended installing cameras outside the fish meal plants to monitor activities and ensure compliance.