HERALD: What is the reason and why there is decline in fish catch year by year?
VINOD PALYEKAR: Total fish catch in the state is increasing from year 2004 to 2017. During current year (Up to September 2017) the total fish production was 86,799 tonnes and it is expected that it will be more than previous year.
As regards to the Marine fish catch, in the year 2014 and 2015 it is seen that the total production was 131,825 and 112,888 tonnes respectively, as there was bumper catch of Sardines thereby boosting the fish catch production, which may be attributed towards a strict surveillance of fish ban period of 61 days (from June 1 to July 31) with effect from the year 2013-14, as prior to it the ban period was for 47 days (June 15 to July 31).
Also, to increase the fish production in the state, Department has initiated various Aquaculture projects such as Open Sea Cage culture, Reservoir Cage culture, Brackish water cage culture and various schemes as Brackish water aquaculture, Fresh water Aquaculture, Crab Culture.
HERALD: How do you see this issue that for local community fish Goans have to depend upon other states while local catch is exported?
PALYEKAR: In order to facilitate supply of fish to the Goans and at low cost, the Department intends to set up Goa Fisheries Corporation for the benefit of Goan fish lovers.
Once the Corporation is formed, the fish will be purchased from the jetties and will be sold to public at reasonable rates using a method on par with Horticulture Corporation.
This Corporation will run on No profit – No loss basis thus providing quality fish to Goans at reasonable rates. Also, a scheme may be formed to provide fish at reduced prices to Goans.
HERALD: When and how will you impose fish taxes on export of fish?
PALYEKAR: This issue needs to be discussed with various lines — Department i.e. Law and Finance Department as there will be some legal issues involved.
Thus, the matter will be finalised once it is discussed with concerned departments.
