PANAJI: The Goa Fisheries Department will soon deploy surveillance drones to monitor fishing activity and crack down on illegal operations along the coast, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar announced. He added that several trawlers from neighbouring states have already been seized as part of ongoing enforcement.
Speaking to the media today, Halarnkar said the drone process has already begun. “We have implemented drones to monitor all boats. This year, monitoring will be more advanced and properly organised, with two systems in place,” he said, adding that the use of drone technology will also be visible through the media.
The Minister said the department is tightening checks to curb illegal fishing and ensure compliance with fisheries regulations, particularly by vessels operating without permission in Goan waters.
Responding to concerns over reports of heavy metals in fish off Caranzalem Beach, Halarnkar said the matter is being handled by scientific institutions. “The National Institute of Oceanography and Goa University are conducting studies, including on heavy metals in fish. These scientists work in the interest of the country, and the government will act if their findings show any harm,” he said.
He clarified that the government would take decisions strictly based on scientific reports and directions issued by expert bodies.
