PANAJI
The simmering turf war over fishing rights along the western coastline where authorities in Goa and Maharashtra have seized boats registered in neighboring States for alleged transgressions into territorial waters, has put the spotlight on the complex legal framework governing marine fishing and the growing friction between fishing communities of these coastal States.
Fishing along India’s coast is regulated by a dual legal regime: State-level Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs) which govern territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles from the shore, while central maritime laws apply beyond that, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, each State enforces its own MFRA, regulating licensing, vessel registration, gear restrictions, and seasonal bans.
The Goa, Daman and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 (amended in 2019), mandates licensing for all vessels and restricts mechanized boats from operating within 5 km of the coast to safeguard traditional fishermen.
It also enforces a monsoon fishing ban from June 1 to July 31 and prohibits destructive gear like purse seines and LED lights.
Maharashtra and Karnataka follow similar frameworks, with a shared monsoon ban period. However, the restricted zones for mechanized fishing vary: while Goa and Maharashtra enforce a 5 km buffer, Karnataka extends this to 10 km.
These regulatory differences have led to frequent cross-border incursions. In recent weeks, Goa’s fisheries department seized boats registered in Maharashtra and Karnataka for allegedly operating within its territorial waters.
In a seemingly retaliatory move, Maharashtra officials impounded two Goa-registered vessels.
Strangely, however, there is no clarity in any of the laws either restricting or permitting mechanised boats fishing in another State's territorial waters.
With livelihoods at stake and tensions rising, the three coastal States may need to revisit cooperative frameworks to prevent future flare-ups and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
