the goan I network
MARGAO
A storm is brewing in the River Sal with traditional fishermen under the banner of AVCB Traditional Fishermen inhabiting the riverine villages of Assolna, Velim, Chinchinim and Betul demanding an immediate stop to the operation of all tourism-related boats in the river.
The traditional fishermen have decided to approach the Captain of Ports and the Fisheries Department with a plea not to renew the licenses issued for cruise boats operating in River Sal, with the fishermen warning of direct action in the event their plea is not taken up the authorities.
This was decided at a meeting of the traditional fishermen at Assolna on Sunday evening in the wake of the new cruise boat which was anchored at the Assolna ferry ramp since last month.
Newly-elected president of the traditional fishermen Elvino D’silva told The Goan that the meeting has adopted a resolution stating that the movement of the tourism-related boats is affecting the traditional occupation of the fishing community. “We know that as many as four boats are presently operating in the River Sal. The Captain of Ports may argue that they are operating with the license. Hence, we have decided to approach the CoP and other authorities not to renew the licenses”, he said.
He further said that certain tourism boats are involved in large scale fishing activity under the guise of arranging cruises for bird watchers. “This has affected the catch of the traditional fishermen and we will oppose such boats in the river Sal in the future”, he said.
While the meeting was primarily called to chalk out the course of action after a cruise boat was found anchored at the Assolna ferry ramp since the last one month, the traditional fishermen have now demanded a stop to the four boats operating in the river.
In his brief address, ex-Velim MLA Benjamin D’Silva said the time has come to condemn the illegal operation of boats in the river and the rampant pollution. “River Sal is the source of livelihood for the traditional fishermen. The very livelihood of the traditional fishermen is based on this very river”, he said.
Former Ambelim Sarpanch Cruz Silva pointed out that the dwindling fish catch coupled with the decline in production of shell fish over the years showed that the pollution has begun to take a toll on the river. “Let the government stop the operation of all cruise boats for at least three years to carry out a study on the disappearance of certain species of fish, including the shell fish from river Sal”, he said.
Leader of the traditional fishing community Sudhakar Joshi said the movement of boats has affected the fish catch in river Sal. “The river Sal has been the home for many a rich fish species, including variety of shell fish. We have to find out why the fish catch in the river is now on the decline”, he added.
