TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO:Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado said the government would enforce a 61 days ban on fishing from the ensuing monsoon as against existing 45 days, even as the chief minister said that the final decision will be taken tomorrow as it is on the cabinet agenda.
Furtado told Herald after a meeting with the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the fishing ban would be implemented in the state between June 1 to July 31. “This decision was taken after a meeting with the chief minister, which was attended by the director of fisheries and legislators Benjamin D’Silva and Caitu Silva”, he said.
Replying to a question, he said the government has finally settled for the 61 day ban period after consultations with the stake holders, including mechanised boat owners, and the traditional fishermen. “Diverse views were expressed by the stake holders on extension of the ban period to 75 days and the government finally decided to increase the ban period from 45 days to 61 days”, he said. Parrikar had mooted a 75 day ban period while presenting his budget during the budget session of the legislative assembly.
Replying to a question, Avertano said the government would seek the help and assistance of the Coast Guard and the coastal police to ensure that outside fishing vessels do not fish within the territorial waters of Goa during the ban period. “The government will approach these authorities for assistance well in advance to ensure that the 61 day ban is implemented in both letter and spirit”, he added.
