Needed to protect marine life, support fish breeding
MAPUSA
The State’s annual fishing ban will come into force from midnight of May 31, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar announced on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the two-month monsoon fishing suspension aimed at protecting marine life and supporting fish breeding along the State’s coastline.
The ban, which will remain in effect throughout June and July, is imposed every year as part of seasonal fisheries management measures designed to conserve marine resources during the peak spawning season.
During this period, mechanised fishing boats and trawlers will not be allowed to operate in Goa’s territorial waters.
Announcing the decision, Halarnkar said the annual restriction is essential to maintain ecological balance and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishing sector.
“The monsoon ban is necessary to facilitate fish breeding and protect marine biodiversity. It is an important conservation measure that benefits both the ecosystem and the fishing community in the long run,” he said.
Traditional fishing activities using non-mechanised canoes and small-scale methods may continue subject to existing regulations and weather conditions, officials said.
The temporary suspension is also expected to provide relief to fish stocks that face pressure due to intensive fishing activity during the rest of the year. Fisheries Department officials noted that similar bans are enforced across India’s western coastline during the monsoon months in line with central guidelines and marine conservation policies.
Authorities are expected to intensify coastal surveillance and monitor compliance with the ban to prevent illegal fishing operations during the restricted period. Violations may attract penalties under the provisions of the State’s fisheries regulations.
