MARGAO
Velim MLA Cruz Silva on Wednesday urged the Goa Government to immediately seek and make public the findings of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) regarding the reported detection of cadmium contamination in oysters.
He said the issue directly concerns public health as well as the livelihoods of thousands of traditional fishermen and shellfish harvesters across Goa.
Pointing out that the fishing season has just commenced after the monsoon ban, Silva said this is the most crucial period for the fishing community. “Velim constituency, home to the Cutbona Fishing Jetty—the largest fishing jetty in Goa—has hundreds of families dependent not only on marine fishing but also on the harvesting and sale of oysters, mussels, clams and other shellfish. Any uncertainty over seafood safety without timely clarification can severely affect consumer confidence and the income of fishermen,” he said.
The Velim MLA said that the shellfish trade is not controlled by large companies or commercial operators but is sustained largely by poor and ordinary fishermen, women shellfish collectors and daily wage earners living in Goa’s coastal villages. “For thousands of families, harvesting and selling oysters, mussels and other shellfish is their bread and butter. It is a traditional occupation passed down through generations and provides a vital source of income to economically weaker sections. Any adverse impact on this sector without timely clarification could push many families into financial distress,” he said.
He added: “The Government cannot allow confusion to prevail. If there is scientific evidence indicating contamination, people have a right to know. At the same time, if the findings require further verification or are limited to specific locations, that too must be clearly communicated. Silence and uncertainty are damaging both to public health and to the livelihoods of our fishing community.”
He said consumers across Goa and tourists visiting the State deserve accurate and transparent information regarding seafood safety. Fishermen, vendors and those involved in shellfish collection should not become victims of speculation arising from the absence of an official clarification, he said.
The MLA has urged the Fisheries Department, Health Department, Food and Drugs Administration, Goa State Pollution Control Board and the National Institute of Oceanography to coordinate and issue a comprehensive public statement at the earliest. The statement should clearly specify whether the reported contamination is confined to a particular area, whether it affects oysters alone or extends to mussels, clams and other shellfish, the extent of the contamination, the possible source of pollution, and the precautions, if any, that consumers and fishermen need to follow, he said.
He added: “If the scientific findings establish any risk to public health, the Government must immediately identify the source of contamination and initiate remedial measures to prevent further pollution of Goa’s rivers and estuaries. Simultaneously, if restrictions become necessary, affected fishermen, shellfish collectors and vendors should be provided appropriate financial assistance and livelihood support until normalcy is restored.”
Silva said the fishing community has only just resumed its activities after the annual fishing ban. “This is the time when fishermen expect to recover their investments and earn a livelihood for their families. The Government must therefore act with urgency, transparency and responsibility. Public health and fishermen’s livelihoods are equally important, and neither should be compromised due to delays in communication. The livelihoods of poor coastal families cannot be left at the mercy of uncertainty,” Cruz Silva added.
