MAPUSA
In the wake of the Oceanman swimming event at Caranzalem beach being abruptly cancelled on Sunday following a clash with local fishermen, the Directorate of Fisheries has stated that while it is not mandatory, organisers of any event conducted near the sea do approach the department for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and inform the local fishing community in advance.
Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro said the department normally issues an NOC for water-based events only after verifying that the proposed activity does not interfere with fishing operations in the area.
“Usually, those who organise such events in waters inform the fisheries department. We then issue an NOC to the organisers only after scouting the area. The NOC is given only when it is confirmed that the activity will not clash with fishing activities,” Monteiro explained.
She added that as a matter of practice, event organisers are also expected to inform the local fishing community before holding such events.
“The fishermen have their associations and it is important to keep them informed about any activity in their traditional fishing zones,” Monteiro said.
The Oceanman swimming event, which was being held along the water area traditionally used by the local fishing community, reportedly did not seek an NOC from the fisheries department nor inform the local fishermen.
The event had to be halted midway after fishermen objected, stating that the swimming route clashed with their fishing area.
Monteiro pointed out that the local fishing community follows a rotational system for casting nets, and each fisherman gets his turn only once in about a month.
“It’s a matter of their livelihood. If a fisherman’s day to cast the net was on Sunday, he will get that opportunity again only after close to a month,” she said.
While clarifying the department’s jurisdiction, Monteiro said that beach weddings or similar land-based events fall under the purview of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), whereas water sports activities are restricted to designated zones.
The Sunday incident has reignited discussion on the need for better coordination between event organisers, government authorities, and traditional fishing communities to avoid such conflicts in the future.
