PANAJI
The State government has tightened regulations governing marine fishing in the State, making vessel tracking and communication systems mandatory for mechanised fishing vessels and introducing stricter requirements for fishing passes, berthing and trawl nets.
The new provisions have been notified under the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2026, further amending the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 1982. The rules have come into force with immediate effect.
Under the amended rules, every mechanised fishing vessel will have to be fitted with an Automatic Identification System (AIS), satellite-based transponder or Vessel Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS). The vessels will also be required to carry a Search and Rescue Beacon, Marine Very High Frequency (VHF) radio installation and a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigator. The smaller fishing craft are also brought under the tracking framework, stipulating that a canoe shall be fitted with a satellite-based transponder. The amendments come as the State seeks to strengthen monitoring of fishing activity, improve traceability of vessels operating in the State’s waters as well as outside its territory and ensure greater compliance with marine fishing regulations.
As per the amendment notified by the Fisheries department, every mechanised fishing vessel will now be required to obtain and possess a valid fishing pass before venturing into the sea for fishing. The amended rules also tighten access to notified fish landing centres. Only registered fishing vessels possessing a valid fishing vessel licence will be permitted to berth at these designated landing centres. The government has further prescribed specifications for trawl fishing, making it mandatory for trawl nets to have a square-mesh cod end.
