Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has introduced tighter regulations for marine fishing, making vessel tracking and communication equipment mandatory for mechanised fishing vessels while also strengthening rules governing fishing passes, berthing and trawl nets.
The changes have been notified through the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2026, which further amend the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 1982. The amended provisions have come into effect immediately.
Under the new rules, every mechanised fishing vessel must be equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS), satellite-based transponder or Vessel Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS). Vessels will also be required to carry a Search and Rescue Beacon, Marine Very High Frequency (VHF) radio and a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigator.
Smaller fishing craft have also been brought within the tracking framework. A canoe will now be required to have a satellite-based transponder.
The amendments are aimed at strengthening surveillance of fishing operations, improving the traceability of vessels operating in Goa’s waters and beyond, and ensuring compliance with marine fishing regulations.
The Fisheries Department has also made a valid fishing pass compulsory for every mechanised fishing vessel before it ventures into the sea for fishing.
Access to notified fish landing centres has been tightened as well. Only registered fishing vessels holding a valid fishing vessel licence will be allowed to berth at designated landing centres.
In another change, the government has prescribed specific requirements for trawl fishing, including making a square-mesh cod end mandatory for trawl nets.
The revised regulations are expected to give authorities greater visibility over fishing vessels and strengthen monitoring of fishing activity along the State’s coastline.
