Goa’s coastline has always been one of the State’s greatest assets, with its rich marine life central to the livelihoods of thousands of fishing families. However, in recent times, that picture is starting to fray. Despite repeated claims of stricter enforcement, with even emphatic assurances inside the hallowed precincts of the Legislative Assembly, illegal fishing continues to flourish, in fact, now moving ever closer to shore. The enforcement is failing big time, and the traditional fishermen are left to fend for themselves.
Take Wednesday’s seizure of 15 fishing vessels, most of them from neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra. On paper, it appears to be decisive action. In reality, it feels more like a temporary dent in a much larger, ongoing issue. These boats have been routinely crossing into Goa’s waters, drawn by dense shoals of fish like sardines that local fishermen depend on.
Officials have been maintaining that patrols are stepped up. The talk often revolves around interceptor speed boats, drone surveillance and coordinating with the coast guard to check rampant LED fishing, another violation that has gone undeterred. Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has publicly maintained that illegal fishing will not be tolerated. But talk to local fishermen, and a different picture emerges. They describe vessels operating openly, sometimes just off the coast, with little fear of being stopped.
Part of the problem lies in the fact that enforcement teams are handicapped due to limited resources. The department has been woefully falling short with few speedboats, outdated equipment, and not enough personnel. Sadly, private boats have been deployed in chasing down offenders and even for deep sea rescues. Sea violations have not been taken seriously thus far, even after the court’s intervention in 2024.
It may be recalled that the Bombay bench of the High Court in Goa had rapped the State government over failure to curb LED fishing after 14 of the 16 vessels inspected through a court-ordered exercise were found to be carrying LED gear. The court had sought compliance reports every three months. Nothing changed, and LED fishing continued, sometimes late into the night or in the wee hours of the morning. These practices not only hit livelihoods but also put long-term pressure on fish stocks and the broader marine ecosystem.
What frustrates many on the ground is the gap between what’s promised and what actually happens. Announcements about tougher penalties, faster patrol boats, and better surveillance sound reassuring, but on the ground, nothing significant materialises. In many cases, it’s the fishermen themselves who raise the alarm, sharing videos and alerts that prompt authorities to act. That points to a system that is still largely inactive.
The bigger risk is the message this sends. When enforcement is inconsistent or hesitant, it creates the impression that violations are manageable, even acceptable. There’s no shortage of solutions—better equipment, real-time monitoring, stronger coordination, and more consistent penalties. A fine of Rs 10 lakh for illegal fishing is a step in the right direction, but only if it’s actually imposed. Confiscating vessels and pursuing prosecutions wherever necessary would go a long way in showing that the rules matter.
Goa’s coastal waters are not just an economic resource but a shared heritage because fishing becomes a major part of the State’s identity. The Fisheries Department must rise above rhetoric and repetitive talk of upgrades. It needs sustained investment, clear intent, and a willingness to follow through. Without that, the gap between promise and reality will only continue to widen, and the cost will be borne by our fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the sea.
