Team Goemkarponn
VERNA: Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on Thursday clarified that the Goa government has no proposal to reduce the number of trawlers operating in the state, stressing that the focus is on ensuring compliance with Fisheries Department norms and improving safety at sea.
Speaking to reporters after attending a programme organised by Street Providence Goa in association with the Verna Industries Association, Halarnkar said the government was not against trawler owners but expected them to strictly follow regulations.
“The Government has nothing against trawler owners, nor do we intend to reduce the number of boats. Our concern is that all operators comply with the prescribed norms. Tracking instruments have been provided to monitor vessel movement, but many owners fail to carry them while fishing. In the event of an accident, the responsibility falls on the Government, making compliance essential,” he said.
The minister also expressed concern over unauthorised jetties and incomplete documentation maintained by some vessel owners. He said notices had been issued to those operating jetties without permission and stressed that documents such as Vessel Registration Certificates (VRCs) are vital for insurance claims, compensation and other benefits.
On the issue of fish quality, Halarnkar clarified that once fish reaches the market, monitoring and formalin testing fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), particularly during the monsoon when fish from India’s east coast is sold in Goa.
Providing an update on the long-pending Kharewado jetty project, the minister said discussions with the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) were progressing. He said the Fisheries Department had extended full support for the rehabilitation of affected families and that another meeting with the MPA would be held soon to expedite the project.
