The fishing community in South Goa is facing mounting hard ships as rough cyclonic weather keeps trawlers stranded off the Karwar coast, causing a sharp fall in fish landings. Amid these challeng es, Betul fisherman Rajan Kerkar along with others have reiterated the need for a strict 90-day fishing ban to safeguard breed ing cycles and ensure the long-term sustainability of Goa’s fisheries.
Kerkar pointed out that the situation has left many boat owners and labour ers in financial distress. “The fish catch has dropped drastically. A longer ban will allow fish to breed and replenish stocks, ensuring better yields in future seasons. This will ultimately bene fit everyone,” he said. He noted that while North Goa fishing com munities have largely respected the seasonal restrictions, South Goa has struggled with com pliance. Kerkar stressed that trawler owners should not disrupt traditional fishermen, who should be granted relaxations to continue small-scale fishing for subsistence. “Traditional fishermen survive on daily catches.
They should not be dis turbed, but mechanized boats and trawlers must strictly follow the ban,” he added. Kerkar strongly criti cized illegal fishing dur ing the ban, which under mines the very purpose of the restrictions. “If the rules were fol lowed sincerely, our fish stocks would recover fast er. But when some con tinue fishing during the ban, it harms the honest fishermen and damages the future of our seas,” he remarked. Adding to the woes, Ker kar highlighted that rising expenses, fuel costs, tax es, and other operation al charges have made it increasingly difficult for boat owners to survive. “We are not only deal ing with rough weather and poor catches but also with heavy expenses.
Taxes, maintenance, and la bour costs are eating into whatever little income is left. Without proper gov ernment support, it is be coming impossible to car ry on fishing activities,” he explained. He further called for government subsidies and assistance, particu larly for boat owners and trawler operators who are finding it hard to stay afloat financially. Kerkar also lamented the lack of unity among Goa’s fishing communi ty. “Unless boat owners and traditional fishermen come together, we will continue facing setbacks. Unity, discipline, and gov ernment support are cru cial for safeguarding our future,” he warned.