Tools to stop illegal fishing tops traditional fisherfolk’s budget wish list

Panaji: The Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), a federation representing 80,000 traditional fisherfolk in Goa, on Wednesday submitted a series of demands to fisheries minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and the directorate of fisheries for urgent consideration during the upcoming budget session of the assembly.
The group is calling for stricter amendments to the Goa, Daman, and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act of 1980.
“We urge the fisheries department to enhance monitoring and enforcement of the existing regulations,” the letter said. The GRE proposed the purchase of 60 high-speed interceptor craft, along with a 24/7 crew and radar systems, to track illegal fishing activities and assist fisherfolk in distress.
The group also suggested the creation of an enforcement wing consisting of representatives from traditional and mechanised fisherfolk organisations from each coastal taluka, in collaboration with the fisheries department, coastal police, and the Indian Coast Guard.
The GRE also demanded the implementation of enhanced penalties for illegal fishing, stricter regulation of purse seiners and trawlers, and a ban on destructive fishing methods. Fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh for illegal fishing, the group said, must be based on the value of the fish involved.
Fines of up to Rs 5 lakh are to be levied for the use of unregistered fishing gear or unauthorised equipment, such as bull trawling or LED light attractors. The group wants a fine of Rs 10 lakh and the seizure of boats if illegal fishing is conducted by non-registered vessels or foreign vessels in Goa’s territorial waters.
Additionally, the group requested the registration of innovative fishing methods, the extension of the fishing ban during the monsoon, and the handover of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority’s wholesale fish market to the local fisherfolk.
“Strengthening regulations would provide the necessary framework to combat illegal fishing activities effectively,” the group said. “It is crucial to implement stricter penalties for those caught violating these laws and to enhance monitoring and enforcement capabilities to ensure compliance.”