Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Velim MLA Cruz Silva has urged the Goa Government to immediately clarify the reported detection of cadmium contamination in oysters by making public the findings of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). He said prolonged uncertainty could adversely affect both public health and the livelihoods of thousands of traditional fishermen and shellfish harvesters across the state.
Silva noted that the appeal comes as the fishing season has just resumed after the annual monsoon ban, making it a critical period for the fishing community. He said Velim, which houses the Cutbona Fishing Jetty, has hundreds of families dependent on marine fishing and the harvesting of oysters, mussels, clams and other shellfish.
He said the shellfish trade is sustained largely by traditional fishermen, women shellfish collectors and daily wage earners, warning that uncertainty over seafood safety without official clarification could reduce consumer confidence and severely impact their incomes.
Silva said the government must not allow confusion to continue. If scientific evidence confirms contamination, the public has a right to know, he said, adding that if the findings are limited to specific areas or require further verification, that information should also be communicated clearly.
The MLA urged the Fisheries Department, Health Department, Food and Drugs Administration, Goa State Pollution Control Board and the National Institute of Oceanography to jointly issue a detailed public statement clarifying whether the contamination is confined to particular locations, whether it affects only oysters or other shellfish, the extent of contamination, its possible source, and any precautions consumers and fishermen should follow.
Silva further said that if the findings establish a public health risk, the government should immediately identify the source of contamination, initiate remedial measures to curb pollution in rivers and estuaries, and provide financial assistance and livelihood support to affected fishermen and shellfish collectors if restrictions become necessary.
He stressed that timely, science-based communication is essential to protect consumer confidence, ensure food safety and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on Goa’s fisheries sector.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
