The annual 61-day fishing ban in Goa will come into effect from June 1 and will extend till July 31. During this period, mechanized fishing is prohibited along the sea coast and territorial waters of the state.
The ban, imposed annually, aims to facilitate sufficient time for fish breeding along the state’s coastal belt, throughout the spawning season.
It allows several species of fish to spawn and provides adequate protection. It prevents fishermen from risking their lives in the choppy monsoon seas.
Citing Gujarat’s 76-day fishing ban as an example, Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott has demanded an extended ban period of 90 days, as numerous illegal activities reportedly take place at sea. The fishing ban needs to be strictly enforced as numerous illegal activities reportedly take place at sea during the period of the ban.
During the fishing ban period fishermen need to be compensated by the government considering the economic impact the ban can have on their livelihoods.
An extension of the fishing ban period will also allow the fish to grow to their normal size as adults. It is usually observed that at the end of the 61-day ban period juvenile fish are sold in the market. A 90-day fishing ban period will mean that marine life is not exploited for petty gains.
