MARGAO: In connection with the writ petition being heard by the High Court concerning illegal mechanised fishing, the Director of the Fisheries Department – Dr Shamila Monteiro, and the Superintendent of Police (SP), Coastal Security Police – Rajendra Raut Dessai submitted affidavits detailing their actions and available resources.
They assert having responded to various illegalities by different types of boats at sea, including those from outside Goa, thereby enforcing the ban on such illegal fishing. They submitted a chart of calls received and complaints addressed, along with the status of all such cases.
Additionally, they mentioned a recent meeting with the Additional Attorney General (AG) and the Captain of Ports (CoP), where they resolved to intensify scrutiny of illegal fishing in the Cacra bay area of Zuari River, as highlighted by the petitioner, the All-Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union.
The petitioner is expected to reply to this soon.
Both the Fisheries Department and Coastal Security Police furnished lists officials empowered to take action. The Fisheries Department specified operating a single vessel with one staff member for patrolling, supplemented by assistance from the Coastal Security Police as needed. Coastal Security Police said they utilise a ‘15m Interceptor Patrol Boat’ for patrolling territorial waters, while another dinghy is employed for inland waterways surveillance. Additionally, the Goa Police’s recent order for five HDPE lifeboats, for patrolling and rescue operations, on February 29 this year, will enhance patrolling capabilities.
During the joint meeting with the Additional AG, it was disclosed that the CoP’s patrolling vessel is currently undergoing maintenance and is expected to resume operation within 20 days, contingent upon its condition. Coastal Security Police also confirmed deploying a dinghy in the Zuari River (Cacra) for continuous patrolling and pledged to assign extra personnel to assist the Fisheries Department during patrols.
The Fisheries Department had claimed that it conducts patrols along the Zuari River on alternate days, due to the limited availability of only one bosun (supervisor of deck crew). This was in response to the petitioner’s request to increase patrolling frequency to curb illegal fishing activities, which was recommended by the Additional AG and all the stakeholders gave an assurance to do the same.
The Fisheries Department also addressed the petitioner’s complaint regarding illegal fishing in a specific area on February 1, noting that show-cause notices were issued to the owners of the offending vessel on March 6.
Additionally, the State government submitted details of amendments made recently to existing Acts aimed at bolstering the authorities’ capacity to take action against violators and also regulate the sector.
