MAPUSA
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on Wednesday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that bull trawling and LED fishing will be strictly prohibited this year, as the government has implemented robust measures to curb these illegal practices that threaten the livelihood of traditional fishermen and the sustainability of marine life.
Responding to concerns raised during the monsoon Assembly session, Halarnkar said the government is committed to supporting both traditional fishermen and mechanised trawler owners, while ensuring that environmentally destructive and banned methods like LED fishing and bull trawling do not take place in Goan waters.
“We will ensure that no bull trawling or LED fishing happens this year. Strict enforcement and vigilant patrolling will be undertaken,” Halarnkar told the House.
The minister’s assurance came after Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo raised the issue in the House, warning that the unchecked continuation of these practices would not only harm the marine ecosystem but also cause a sharp rise in fish prices, affecting common households.
“The biggest problems for local fishermen are caused by LED fishing and bull trawling. These practices give unfair advantage to a few while destroying fish habitats,” Lobo said, urging the government to act decisively.
