Panjim: In a bid to regulate and monitor the fishing industry, the government has made it mandatory for fish traders and vendors across Goa to get them registered to carry on the business.
However, the move is not welcomed by the fishing community, who has raised apprehension about possible attempt to hand over the entire business in the hands of ‘fish mafia’. They also sought to know the benefits the small fish seller will get by registering.
As per the notification issued by the Directorate of Fisheries, the fish traders will have to register with department by paying fees of Rs 2 lakh per year and Rs 20,000 as security deposit. This notification will come into effect from August 1.
Fish sellers in the market and other places have to pay a fee of Rs 100; mobile fish sellers with baskets have to pay a fee of Rs 100; Fish sellers on cycles Rs 200; fish sellers with two-wheelers Rs 500; Fish sellers on three-wheelers Rs 1,000; and fish sellers on four-wheelers Rs 5,000 for registration.
Speaking to HERALD, Director Fisheries Shamila Monteiro said that registration of fish traders and vendors will help us to monitor and regulate the business. “Currently, we have no data of those selling fish or trading fish into Goa. The registration will help us to have a clear data base,” she said.
“Also, it will help us to know from where these traders get their fish during the season and fishing ban period. Further, we will be in position to monitor fish import,” she added.
The Director also said that the department would now be in a better position to regulate the fish prices, as they will be able to ascertain at what price the seller or trader buys the stock.
Fish stocks normally arrive in Goa early morning each day from other States on the eastern coast, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha during the monsoon period when the fishing ban is enforced; whereas during the non-fishing ban season, the fish comes from Western Coast like Konkan belt, Karwar, etc.
However, the move has not gone down well with the fishing community. Fish sellers say that the decision is very surprising as they were never registered with the dept.
“We are into fish selling business for ages now. My mother, grandmother and great grandmother was selling fish. And now I am into the business. We never registered with the department. It is our traditional business and source of livelihood,” said Maria Fernandes.
She explained that during season, they buy fish from trawler owners, and now during the off-season, they are selling local small fish. “What benefit we will get by registering with the department?” she questioned.
Elsewhere, Chopdekar couple, who are also into the fish business, sought to know the kind of benefits they will get. “We have our own canoe. We don’t go to buy fish from anyone. When there is no catch, we have nothing to sell,” said the wife, while adding, ‘When the catch is plenty, I go house to house, while my husband goes to the market’.
“This is nothing, but the government wants to force us to buy fish from big traders, who get fish from outside Goa, and it is chemical-laced,” she claims.
Amar, an original native of Karwar, but residing in Goa for more than 10-12 years, sells fish door-to-door on his cycle. He says he purchases fish from market and sells it. “I cannot sell at market price since I have to earn something. Prices vary from traders, market vendor, door to door seller, and others. How can you regulate prices? Everyone has to benefit,” he said.
