VASCO
Various fishing associations have complained that fishing boats from Malpe-Karnataka have been openly challenging traditional Goan canoe owners that no action would be taken by anyone even if they were to fish in Goan waters.
Addressing a news conference in Vasco, the associations -- Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owner Society (BRAFCOS), Desterro Fisherman Association (DFA), Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owner Coop Society (OCFCOCS), Ovleshwar Fishermen Association (OFA) and Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) -- claimed that despite several representations, the State government had been silent in the matter.
GRE Vice-President Camilo Souza said that the Malpe trawlers had taken shelter in Kharewaddo bay due to the storm and rough sea.
"If these boats had to be fishing over 100 nautical miles from Karnataka, why would they seek shelter in Kharewaddo, which is such a distant location? These boats are fishing close to the Goa coast and the State government has to act before they completely finish the fish available in Goa," said Souza.
Vice President of Nerul-based Traditional Fishing Association Joaquim Mendes said neighbouring states like Karnataka and Maharashtra are very strict and the Malpe boats do not violate any norms there, but the Goa government had been silent in the matter.
“The Malpe trawlers are openly fishing in close proximity to the coast and the fisheries department has not acted such gross violations.”
“These boats also use LED fishing, high speed engines and bull trawling as well but our government is silent. We had been invited by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and even Ports Minister Michael Lobo was present, but they made a joke of our pleas and sent us back.”
“They have not acted as yet despite assuring in April that they would stop these Malpe boats from fishing in Goan waters. We may have to take law in hands if our government does not act," said Mendes.
Custodio DSouza of OCFCOCS alleged that Malpe boats had been indulged in illegal fishing in Goa.
"The area meant for canoes fishing is being exploited by these high speed bull trawling fishing boats from Malpe and they return loaded with fish.”
“The government should impound these boats and initiate strict action to deter them. They have also begun challenging us that no action will be taken on them by anybody," Said D'Souza.
Added GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes: “When a boat belonging to a Goan MLA could be impounded in Maharashtra for illegal fishing, why should the Goa Government be silent on boats from other states?”
“The Mhadei river and double tracking of railway tracks is benefiting Karnataka and now, the State government may also want fishing to benefit Karnataka.”
