Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halankar has said that the government is closely monitoring reports of heavy metal accumulation in fish caught off Caranzalem beach. “The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Goa University are conducting continuous research on the matter,” Halankar said, adding that the government will take appropriate action if the findings indicate any risk to public health.
The Minister’s statement comes amid growing concern over the safety of seafood consumed by coastal communities and residents in Goa.
The study noted that metals like iron, manganese, zinc, and copper were unevenly distributed across fish organs, with the kidney showing the highest accumulation, followed by liver, gills, and muscles—raising concerns over long-term dietary exposure for coastal communities.
Responding to the findings, Halankar said the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Goa University are conducting ongoing research, and the government is closely monitoring the situation. “If the research confirms any harmful impact, the government will take appropriate action to ensure seafood safety,” he stated.
Halankar also underlined the need for stronger surveillance along Goa’s coastline to protect marine resources. The Fisheries Department plans to deploy drones to curb illegal fishing, adding that several illegal trawlers from neighbouring states have already been seized.
He emphasized that these combined efforts aim to safeguard both public health and marine biodiversity.
