Blurred maritime boundaries and weak coordination under focus after crackdown
MAPUSA
A day after 15 outstation fishing vessels were seized for allegedly poaching in Goa’s territorial waters, the crackdown has brought into focus critical gaps in enforcement, the challenge of invisible maritime boundaries and the urgent need for stronger deterrence.
While the joint action by the fisheries department, coastal police and local fishermen has been widely welcomed, stakeholders say such incursions are far from isolated.
Repeated entries by vessels from neighbouring States point to systemic issues that go beyond routine patrolling.
No lines at sea
Unlike land borders, territorial waters have no physical markers, making enforcement and compliance heavily dependent on navigation systems and intent.
Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro said fishermen are expected to rely on navigation charts to avoid crossing the 12 nautical mile limit from Goa’s shoreline.
“Since there is no physical demarcation in the open sea, fishermen have to follow navigation charts. When they follow fish shoals, they sometimes drift into other waters, much like vessels crossing international boundaries between India and Sri Lanka or Pakistan,” Monteiro said.
However, local fishermen reject the explanation that incursions are accidental.
“Our Goan trawlers do venture into their waters at times, but that doesn’t give them the right to enter ours and take away 10 to 20 tonnes of fish,” said Salcete-based fisherman Francisco Fernandes, popularly known as Pele.
Another fisherman, requesting anonymity, alleged possible collusion.
“There has to be some understanding between them and officials. Otherwise, how do they keep returning to our waters?” he questioned.
Countering this, All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (AGFBOA) president Jose Philip D’Souza acknowledged that boundary crossings do occur on both sides, but drew a line at scale.
“Venturing marginally may be tolerated, but outstation vessels entering deep into our waters and fishing extensively is not acceptable,” he said.
Enforcement stretched
Authorities maintain that patrols are conducted regularly, but the recurrence of such cases suggests clear limitations. A vast coastline, limited resources and the absence of continuous surveillance create gaps that violators exploit.
“We are intensifying patrols and coordinating with all agencies to curb such activities,” Monteiro said.
Inter-state loopholes
With most of the apprehended vessels reportedly from neighbouring States, the issue extends beyond Goa’s jurisdiction. Weak inter-State coordination, experts say, allows repeat offenders to return with little fear of lasting consequences.
“We do inform our counterparts and request them to caution their fishermen against crossing boundaries. That communication exists with all States,” Monteiro said, adding that “our vessels too venture into their waters at times.”
Deterrence still weak
Fishermen’s groups argue that penalties are not stringent enough to deter repeat offences.
“Yesterday we helped seize outstation vessels and fishermen, but today we hear all those fishermen have been released. How will they learn if strict action is not taken?” said Pele, expressing frustration.
Closing the net
Stakeholders say the solution lies in a multi-pronged approach – stronger enforcement, real-time surveillance, tougher penalties and greater involvement of local fishing communities.
The latest seizure, they warn, must serve as a wake-up call to plug systemic gaps before illegal fishing further strains Goa’s marine resources and the livelihoods dependent on them.
Drone surveillance plan to check illegal fishing yet to take off
MAPUSA: The Fisheries Department’s much-publicised plan to deploy drone-based aerial surveillance to curb illegal fishing along the State’s coastline has failed to take off, with the proposal still awaiting multiple regulatory approvals.
Nearly a year after inviting tenders to appoint an agency for drone surveillance and digital data management, the initiative remains stalled, raising concerns over delays in strengthening coastal monitoring.
Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro said the project is pending clearances from key authorities.
“It will happen. At present, we are in the process of obtaining approvals from different authorities. Tenders were invited, but once we receive the necessary permissions, we will proceed further,” Monteiro said.
According to officials, approvals are required from agencies such as the airport authorities, Coast Guard and other coastal regulatory bodies, primarily due to security considerations linked to aerial surveillance.
Meanwhile, efforts to strengthen near-shore patrolling through local participation have also seen limited response.
The department had floated a proposal to hire local canoes for surveillance support, but failed to attract interest from fishermen.
“No fishermen came forward with quotations. However, whenever required, we will take assistance from local fishermen on the spot,” Monteiro added.
