The fishermen also hit out at mechanised boat owner Harshad Dhond for his statement that Goan mechanised fishing boats also go for fishing in the waters of Karnataka and Maharashtra since Goa’s coastline is just 105 kms.
Addressing the media at Colva on Saturday, traditional fishermen Domingo Rodrigues said he does not agree with Dhond’s claim that Goan boats will not be confiscated in the Maharashtra and Karnataka following action in the Goan waters earlier this week.
“If Dhond is apprehensive of action against Goan boats in Karnataka and Maharashtra it is his problem. Why should traditional fishermen from Goa ekeing a living on fish catch allow outside fishing boats to indulge in illegal fishing close to Goa’s coast”, he questioned.
He also disputed Dhond’s claim that the outside fishing boats have only netted sardines and not mackerels. “It’s not a question whether the outstation fishing boats have netted sardines or mackerels. We had sought the intervention of the Fisheries department to confiscate the outstation boats since they were fishing very close to the coast. We found these boats fishing just 100 metres off Colva and Benaulim coast”, he said, while demanding to know from Dhond whether mechanised fishing vessels are allowed by law to fish very close to the shore.
He alleged that the four fishing vessels were allowed to vanish from river Mandovi to avoid auction of the tonnes of sardines netted by these boats, demanding that the Fisheries department initiate the proceedings against all the confiscated fishing vessels based on their registration numbers.
Fishermen Pele Fernandes said the outstation fishing vessels were carrying tonnes of sardines netted during the illegal fishing in Goan waters. He disputed the statement reportedly made by Fisheries Director Shamila Monteiro that the outstation fishing boats were carrying merely 500 kilograms of sardines.
“The Director has hurt the sentiments of the traditional fishermen by making such a statement. We had provided our speed boats and manpower to confiscate the outside fishing vessels. We have seen with our eyes the tons of sardines netted by these boats”, Pele added.
