PANAJI
The Goa government is seriously contemplating setting up a Marine Enforcement Wing with a staff strength of 58, including the Superintendent of Fisheries, Inspector of Police, Police Sub-Inspector, etc in a bid to crack down on illegal fishing practices.
According to an affidavit filed by the Director of Fisheries before the High Court, the Fisheries Minister has recommended to the government setting up of the enforcement wing, which the Advocate General has confirmed is now “under the Government's consideration, and some decisions will be taken in this regard.”
The High Court said that the enforcement wing should be set up “without much delay”.
“Considering the above situation, we think that establishing a permanent independent Marine Enforcement Wing, as proposed, will go a long way in ensuring the effective implementation of laws and regulations relating to fisheries. This petition's main issue is about the trawlers using LED and bull trawling. There is no dispute about these activities being banned. However, the complaint is about the effective implementation of this ban. Imposing a ban because it is vital to the needs of ecology and not effectively implementing it is incredibly harmful. This imposes a strain not only on the ecology but also on the legitimate interests of the fishers who obey the law and the ban,” the High Court bench of Justices M S Sonak and Bharat Deshpande, ruled.
“Therefore, establishing a permanent independent Marine Enforcement Wing will ensure that such pernicious activities are stopped and do not continue clandestinely. In addition, such a wing could also address the issues of rampant unlawful sand mining that poses a serious threat to the rivers in the State. Thus, such a wing should be established without much delay,” the High Court observed.
The government told the court that there are about 891 mechanised fishing boats, 1790 motorised canoes and 290 non-motorised canoes registered with the department. In addition, the department has six landing centres/jetties and 32 fishing ramps. The note also refers to
approximately 2900 fishing vessels in the State of Goa.
“The existing officers/staff find it challenging to implement the legal provisions or take action against violators,” the Fisheries department told the Court.
The High Court also scoffed at the paltry fine that the Fisheries department has been imposing on violators.
“We find that there is a report about action against two violators. Such violators were let out with a fine of Rs 5,000. However, there is no seizure record of the catch or the equipment. If the violators are to be let off with a paltry fine, then the ban's implementation would be a casualty. The authorities must consider whether action under the provisions of the said Act can be taken against the violators if the authorities are serious about implementing the ban. Letting violators off with a paltry fine of Rs 5,000 hardly amounts to the ban's implementation,” the High Court also observed.
The High Court also noted how the Indian Coast Guard had informed the Fisheries Department of 17 fishing boats which were found to be bull trawling and LED fishing but no action was initiated by the department.
