TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: The State Cabinet has lifted the fishing ban imposed on canoes that use less than 10 hp motors. They are, however, banned from using purse seine nets while fishing and can use only gill nets.

However, fishermen using canoes will not be eligible for any subsidies which they would get otherwise, but will be eligible for insurance ~ which they get in case of calamities.

Fishermen had met the fisheries minister and the chief minister on at least two occasions, asking for a relaxation, after the government extended the fishing ban for 61 days, but this time brought fishermen using canoes under this ban. Earlier, ban period envisaged was of 75 days.

However, the ban on mechanized trawlers would continue till July 31.

The chief minister was quite clear in saying fishermen who used purse seine nets would get their boats impounded and strict action would be taken. He also said that the State had meetings with the Coast Guard to ensure that proper patrolling is done by June-end.

“We made it clear to them that we will inspect and if they are found engaging in illegalities, action will be taken,” he said, adding that the logic of allowing these boats to fish was, they had increased the ban so as to stop large-scale fishing.