the goan I network
OLD GOA
Warning stern action against fishermen involved in illegal fishing in the river Zuari belt, Fisheries Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues on Friday said his department would, if needed, even suspend the licences of the fishermen.
Rodrigues was speaking at a meeting organised in Siridao to protest against illegal fishing activities of fishermen from Vasco.
A large number of affected fishermen from Dona Paula, Odxel, Cacra, Nauxim, Siridao, Bambolim, Goa Velha and Agassaim attended the meeting.
“I assure that within the next eight days, action will be taken to ensure that illegal fishing is stopped,” Rodrigues said. Let this meeting go out as a warning to those indulging in illegal fishing, the minister added.
He said the fishermen were taking advantage of the fact that his department and the police are ill-equipped to scan the river.
“We will hire private vessels which are worthy of catching the boats involved in illegal fishing. We will also hire manpower of able-bodied men, for which department will pay them till a permanent team is created,” the minister stated.
“The fisheries department and coastal police will work together to tackle the issue,” he added.
Speaking at the meeting, St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira highlighted how trawlers and boats with purse seine nets are involved in illegal fishing in the river Zuari along the Dona Paula to Agassaim belt.
He said this illegal activity deprived traditional fishermen of their livelihood. “Fishing with purse seine nets is not allowed in the river. It is allowed 5 km away from the shore,” Silveira said.
“Illegal fishing activities are undertaken early in the morning, afternoon and late evenings. Those involved take advantage of the office timings of the fisheries department.” “There is a need for strict action on an urgent basis. Keep one boat at Dona Paula and another at Vasco to prevent the trawlers and big canoes from entering river Zuari belt,” Silveira pleaded.
Taleigao MLA and Revenue Minister Jeniffer Monserrate said she will support the local fishermen in their fight against illegal fishing and urged them to have faith in the fisheries minister and his department officials in tackling the issue.
Parish priest of Siridao Church Fr Valerian Vaz and local fishermen also spoke.
