PANAJI: Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado on Thursday said that night patrolling would be carried out along with coastal police to keep a watch on fishermen using unnatural fihing techniques, especially LEDs.
“We have not given permission to any of the operators. It is totally banned within our territorial waters. This happens beyond 12 nautical miles which is not in our jurisdiction. But to keep a check on such activities, we will start night patrolling with coastal police,” said Furtado.
He was responding to the Zero hour mention by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai who spoke about use of unnatural fishing techniques such as the use of fish light attractors or LEDs introduced in Goa by some fishing trawlers that might lead to fish famine in the State.
“Goans cannot live without fish. First they used to carry out bull trawling, then started using high-speed engines and now the LEDs. Here the fishermen flash the light on water and en masse fish dies”, said Vijai.
He also informed that this activity was carried out in South east Asia and it is feared that this could lead to fish famine.
“Kerala government has brought in directions with regard to net size, boat engine, and to ban these LEDs. Goa government should also do the same,” he said.
