Team Herald
VASCO: The fishing ban came into effect on June 1 and yet mechanised trawlers are blatantly violating the ban by indulging in large scale fishing, Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has alleged.
GRE President Agnelo Rodrigues, in a press note issued here, also alleged that despite warnings, the trawlers are using banned LED lights and bull/pair trawling gear in violation of Goa, Daman and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980.
Lambasting the Fisheries Department for ignoring these violations, Rodrigues demanded immediate resignation of fisheries Director Vinesh Arlenkar for “completely failing to discharge his duties and upholding the law ever since he has taken charge as Fisheries Director.”
“This is the first time since 1981 that the monsoon fishing ban has been violated by the mechanised trawlers and has gone unnoticed,” Rodrigues said.
GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes said that he was shocked to note that complete violation of fishing ban and use of banned gears like LED lights and bull/pair are used during the ban period. “This can be easily observed if one stands on any beach from North to South,” Simoes pointed out.
“We appeal to Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar to immediately bring the situation under control, as we are already facing 50% drop in fish catch like mackerel, sardine, pomfret, silver fish, white prawn, kingfish etc which were available in abundance throughout the year and is drastically reducing now. If such untoward violation of fishing ban and destructive gears persists, then we will be left without fish in our plates and the people of Goa will have to rely only on imported formalin fish,” Simoes said.
GRE has demanded that the minister immediately seize all boats sailing out in the sea. GRE has urged to appoint new Fisheries Director as the existing director of Fisheries has failed to discharge his duties.
