File photo of trawlers at the Kharewaddo Fishing Jetty.
VASCO
Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has launched one of its strongest attacks yet on the fisheries department, accusing its director Dr Shamila Monteiro of systematically failing to enforce the long-standing ban on LED light fishing and bull trawling, despite nine years of complaints and repeated directives from the High Court of Bombay at Goa.
The controversy has escalated dramatically following the High Court’s strict instructions on May 8, directing the department to ensure full enforcement and submit compliance reports every three months.
However, the latest compliance report filed on September 24, has triggered outrage among traditional fishing communities, who say the department’s claims are riddled with contradictions.
According to the report, full-time fisheries officers have been deployed at all major jetties, and every fishing vessel is “thoroughly inspected” before departure and upon arrival.
Yet, just weeks later, the Maharashtra fisheries department impounded two Goan vessels for illegal LED light fishing, exposing what GRE calls a “deeply embarrassing and revealing gap” in Goa’s enforcement.
“How can Maharashtra catch vessels from Goa if our own department claims to be inspecting every boat? This contradiction speaks volumes about what is really happening in Goan waters,” said Olencio Simoes, general secretary of GRE.
Simoes alleged that the department’s credibility has now collapsed entirely.
“The High Court was told that inspections are happening round the clock. But the ground reality shows a completely different picture. Either the officers are not on duty, or they are knowingly looking the other way,” said Simoes, who is also general secretary of the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF).
He also accused the director of fisheries of misleading the High Court.
“We are shocked that facts have been concealed before the High Court. This is not a small lapse—it amounts to misleading the judiciary, which is a serious violation,” Simoes stated, adding that the department’s conduct “raises disturbing questions about integrity at the highest administrative level.”
GRE further pointed to an earlier affidavit filed by the director seeking permission to allow 150 kVA generators, which are used exclusively for LED fishing.
“When the head of the department pushes for equipment meant for illegal fishing, what are we supposed to think?” Simoes asked. “Her actions repeatedly show that she stands with violators instead of with Goa’s traditional fishermen.”
Calling it “a shameful moment for the State,” Simoes noted that this is the second time vessels have been caught across the border.
“If Maharashtra can enforce the law effectively, why can’t Goa? What exactly is stopping our officials?” he questioned.
“The collapse of governance in the fisheries department is now complete. Our communities have lost all faith,” Simoes remarked.
“The traditional fishing communities of Goa will not remain silent,” Simoes warned. “We are fighting not just illegalities, but a system that protects violators at the cost of our livelihoods.”
