PANAJI: Stating that the state would soon approach the Centre for redressal of the issues pertaining to LED fishing and bull trawling, Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar on Thursday said that despite there being a ban on the particular forms of mechanised fishing his department can’t act as violations take place beyond 12 nautical miles of Goan waters.
Addressing media persons in the city, Palyekar said, “LED fishing and bull trawling are witnessed beyond 12 nautical miles in the deep sea, which is beyond our jurisdiction. I am going to request the Centre to devise a mechanism so as to crack down on the fishermen who use these techniques. It is not a problem for Goa alone, as bull trawling and LED fishing are a menace for other states too.”
Palyekar said these forms of mechanised fishing are being carried out by fishermen from neighbouring states at the borders of Goan waters. This could be a reason for the declining fish catch in the state, he said adding that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to apprehend the people engaged in LED fishing and bull trawling.
The department, which is taking up some measures to protect the interests of traditional fishermen, has dropped the idea of deploying additional patrol vessels as it would serve no purpose in the light of illegal activities taking place beyond the jurisdiction of Goan waters.
The department has started the process to establish a fish corporation on the lines of the State Horticulture Corporation so as to provide fish at subsidised rates.
“Our aim is to provide fish at least at the 50 per cent discount compared to market rates,” Palyekar said.
Earlier in the day Palyekar chaired a meeting which was held to address complaints on illegal fishing.
The meeting was attended by South Goa collector Swapnil Naik, North Goa deputy collector Sabaji Shetye, officials of the coastal police and fisheries department.