PANAJI
In a bid to have dedicated teams for focussed marine life conservation along the sea and rivers in the State, the forest department has mooted a marine cell with two ranges in each district.
These ranges will come under the wildlife and eco-division of the forest department.
This is first time that Goa will have a marine wildlife cell as previously, the scope of wildlife in the State was focused on territorial wildlife. However, other states have a marine wildlife division headed by an officer of the DCF level.
"The government has already given approval for the formation of marine ranges and only the process of issuing notification is needed. Once the notification is issued, we intend to operate these ranges from April 1," informed Deputy Conservator of Forest Anand Jadhav.
The two ranges which will focus on protection and conservation of marine life will be located at Pernem in North Goa and Galgibaga in Nouth Goa.
Trained and dedicated officers in these ranges will look after work like registering offences pertaining to marine life, conservation work like turtle nesting, dolphin protection, crocodile rescue, mangrove conservation, etc.
There are increasing incidents of dolphins being chased by boats under the pretext of Dolphin trips and this can be regulated with dedicated ranges.
Many dolphins and turtles are also found trapped in fishing nets and the range staff can rescue them effectively.
The law states that there should a dedicated forest division for marine wildlife protection on the basis of the Marine Police. The forest department has now taken a step in this direction.
At present, staff from the forest department will be shifted to the ranges that will be formed.
In future, the forest department has plans to form more ranges with additional two ranges. Jurisdiction of these marine wildlife ranges will be in HTL and CRZ areas and not in private property.
