Representatives of Goa’s small-scale and traditional fishing community participating in the first consultation in the State for the development of the NPOA to secure sustainable fisheries at Cavelossim on Saturday.
MARGAO
Goa’s small-scale and traditional fishing communities on Saturday flagged violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification and the non-finalisation of Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) as major causes of displacement and threats to livelihoods.
At the first state-level consultation to develop the National Plan of Action (NPOA) for securing sustainable fisheries, held at Cavelossim, fishers said tourism, development projects and ports were squeezing them out of traditional spaces on land. At sea, bottom trawling in no-go zones, dredging, water sports boats and effluent discharge were affecting fish resources.
Fishers called for a rollback of dilutions to the CRZ process, curbs on destructive mechanised fishing, stricter enforcement of fisheries regulations, preferential access to marine resources and demarcation of post-harvest spaces on land. They also stressed the need for a ‘Fishers’ Rights Act’ to achieve the objectives of the Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines.
Participants unanimously agreed that mechanised boats, including trawlers and purse-seiners, should not be classified as small-scale fishing vessels. They said the NPOA should primarily cover those directly engaged in fishing and related activities.
Women highlighted the need to improve working conditions in post-harvest activities, ensure household nutritional security, create leadership opportunities, establish women’s collectives and develop value-addition and marketing skills. They also called for greater awareness to counter the stigma faced by fisherwomen using public transport.
Fishers stressed that climate change required urgent intervention. While suggesting early warning systems and insurance schemes, they maintained that ecological protection and restoration must remain the first line of action.
The consultation was facilitated by the National Federation of Small Scale Fishworkers, with support from FAO-BOBP and ICAR-CIFE. Representatives of the Goa government’s Department of Fisheries and the traditional fishworkers’ union Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) also participated.
Fishers using rampons (shore seines), gillnets and stake nets, along with those involved in fish vending, auctions and processing, took part in the consultation. Fisherwomen participated in large numbers.
The consultation is part of the process to implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (VG-SSF), introduced in 2014 through a bottom-up process led by fishers to protect marine resources and livelihoods. The next consultation, for North Goa district, is scheduled for October 24.
