Six held along coast, nine intercepted at sea; joint operation exposes incursions by interstate boats
One of the fishing vessels seized along the Colva–Benaulim coastal belt on Wednesday.
MAPUSA
In one of the biggest enforcement actions in recent months, the Goa Fisheries Department on Wednesday apprehended 15 outstation fishing vessels allegedly engaged in illegal fishing within the State’s territorial waters.
Nine vessels were intercepted by the department’s patrol teams during routine surveillance at sea, while six more were caught along the Colva–Benaulim coastal belt with the assistance of local fishermen, highlighting increased vigilance both offshore and along the shoreline.
Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro said preliminary inputs suggest that most of the seized vessels originated from neighbouring Karnataka.
“As per the information received from our field officials, the catch largely comprises sardines. The exact quantity and composition will be ascertained once the vessels are brought to the jetty and inspected,” she said.
Monteiro added that the operation was carried out in coordination with the coastal police, underlining a joint enforcement mechanism to curb illegal fishing activities.
“We conduct regular patrols both in the morning and at night. Whenever illegal activity is detected, strict action is initiated, cases are registered, and fines are imposed as per the law,” she stated.
Addressing how outstation vessels manage to enter Goan waters, Monteiro noted that fishermen often cross maritime boundaries while pursuing shoals of fish.
“In many cases, they follow the fish and unknowingly cross the demarcated line,” she explained, while maintaining that such violations still attract penal action.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar commended the department’s swift action, calling it a sign of heightened enforcement.
“This operation shows that our agencies are active and vigilant. Illegal fishing in Goa’s waters will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
Illegal fishing by outstation vessels – particularly from Karnataka and Maharashtra – has been a persistent concern for Goa’s traditional fishing community, which has repeatedly flagged declining catches and damage to marine resources.
In recent months, the fisheries department has intensified patrols, leading to multiple seizures and penalties against violators.
Earlier drives have also resulted in the detention of mechanised trawlers operating during restricted periods and within prohibited zones, especially during the monsoon fishing ban and in nearshore areas reserved for small-scale fishermen.
