MAPUSA
Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halarnkar on Tuesday said the government would take a serious view against those fish traders who fail to register themselves with the fisheries department and may even ban such traders from using the jetties.
Halarnkar also said strict action will be taken against those involved in LED fishing in Goa’s waters.
“The fish traders have to register with the fisheries department and must pay Rs 2 lakh as fees per annum. If these traders fail to pay, then we will take action against them. We may even ban such traders from using the jetties,” said Halarnkar.
The Fisheries Minister was addressing the media in Porvorim after holding a meeting with the representatives of the fish traders along with the officials of the department at the Secretariat.
The State has three main jetties, Vasco and Cutbona in South Goa and Malim in the North, while business at the Chapora jetty is at a relatively small scale.
Halarnkar said it is mandatory for the fish traders to register with the fisheries department but for the last almost two years they have failed to do so, thereby depriving the government of its rightful revenue.
Last week, the fisheries department had locked the gates to the three fishing jetties as the fish traders failed to comply with the rules of registering with the department.
“We don’t have a problem against those who are involved in the fishing activity. We are concerned about those who bring huge tonnes of fish on the jetties. We want the traders to register with the department. The activity has to be regularised so that the government gets its rightful dues,” he said.
He said the fish traders have also realised the government’s point of view and have decided to work out modalities among themselves and come back with a detailed proposal in a day’s time.
The fisheries minister also informed that the government would act tough against those involved in illegal fishing activities such as LED fishing or bull trawling.
“Fish is a natural resource which has to be protected from unauthorised activity. LED fishing has been banned and anyone found involved in such illegal acts will be acted upon,” he said.
