PANAJI
Amid rising public concern and possible health risks following reports of heavy metal contamination in fish caught off Caranzalem Beach, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on Tuesday assured that the issue is being scientifically examined and that the state government will act only on the basis of expert findings.
The Goan had first reported about a scientific study by Goa University researchers revealing that several commonly consumed fish species accumulate metals beyond permissible limits, raising concerns over long-term dietary exposure for coastal communities and seafood consumers in the State. The findings suggest that prolonged intake of contaminated fish from the Caranzalem beach could lead to non-carcinogenic health effects.
Addressing media queries, Halarnkar said that studies are currently being carried out by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Goa University, including assessments related to the presence of heavy metals in fish. “These are reputed scientific institutions working in the interest of the country. If their findings indicate any harm, the government will take appropriate action,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the state would not rely on speculation or unverified claims and would base its decisions strictly on scientific evidence and expert recommendations.
The study ‘Metal bioavailability in sediments and bioaccumulation in edible fishes from Caranzalem beach, Goa, India’, undertaken by AM Patil, MR Nasnodkar and CJG Fernandes, focused on assessing metal bioavailability in sediments and quantifying metal concentrations in different fish organs -- muscles, gills, liver and kidney -- to evaluate toxicity implications for both marine life and humans.
One of the key findings of the study was the uneven distribution of metals within fish organs. The majority of the analysed fish species showed the highest accumulation of metals in the kidney, followed by the liver, gills and muscles.
Meanwhile, the Minister reiterated that the department will soon deploy surveillance drones to monitor fishing activity and crack down on illegal operations along the coast. He added that several trawlers from neighbouring States have already been seized as part of ongoing enforcement.
Halarnkar said the drone process has already begun. “We have implemented drones to monitor all boats. This year, monitoring will be more advanced and properly organised, with two systems in place,” he said, adding that the use of drone technology will also be visible through the media.
The Minister said the department is tightening checks to curb illegal fishing and ensure compliance with fisheries regulations, particularly by vessels operating without permission in Goan waters.
