The picturesque coastline of Goa, known for its vibrant marine life and rich fishing tradition, is once again at the centre of a brewing conflict. Recently, distressing footage emerged of illegal bull trawlers clashing with local fishermen and coastal police off the Nerul coastline. This incident has raised crucial questions about the effectiveness of the mechanisms in place to combat illegal fishing practices that threaten not just the livelihood of fishermen but also the ecological balance of the region.
Despite ongoing discussions in the Goa Legislative Assembly, concrete action against these illegal operations remains woefully absent. Fishermen, who have relied on responsible fishing methods for generations, are now facing an uphill battle against powerful trawlers equipped with LED lights that indiscriminately attract fish. The exploitation of these modern fishing techniques poses a significant threat to the sustainability of fish stocks in Goa’s waters.
At the heart of the discontent is the deployment of excessive LED lighting by larger trawlers, designed to lure fish toward the surface. Traditional fishermen, who predominantly use pole and line methods, argue that this practice not only strips the ocean of fish but also disrupts the natural behaviour of marine species. It is an urgent call for the Goa government to recognize the gravity of this situation.
Repeated appeals directed at the State Fisheries Department and the Union Fisheries Ministry have thus far yielded little to no results. Fishermen’s unions are growing increasingly frustrated, especially as they witness large-scale trawlers operating with impunity. State authorities claim to be enforcing regulations, including impounding errant vessels, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. The alleged ban on LED fishing lights appears to be largely ineffective, as evidenced by ongoing incidents reported by local fishermen.
Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by reports of various other illegal fishing practices that continue to thrive in the shadows of Goa’s legal framework. Complaints have been filed, but the lack of a robust enforcement mechanism raises serious concerns about governance and accountability in the fisheries sector.
Marine conservation experts have joined the chorus of voices warning about the repercussions of unchecked fishing practices on ecosystems and the potential depletion of marine resources. They caution that without transparent governance and decisive action, the future of Goa’s marine wealth hangs in the balance. The coastal ecosystem is fragile, and any disruption can have far-reaching implications that affect not only the local fishing community but also the broader environment.
To protect the interests of traditional fishermen and safeguard the marine ecosystem, it is vital for Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and his government to take immediate and tangible action. The time for discussions is over; it is now time for enforceable legislation, stricter monitoring, and community engagement to fight against bull trawling and LED fishing. A cooperative effort is needed between local fishermen, state authorities, and environmental groups to ensure that the rich marine biodiversity of Goa is preserved for generations to come.
Goa stands at a critical juncture—will it rise to the challenge and protect its coastal heritage, or will it allow the powerful trawlers to dominate its waters? The answer lies in the hands of its government.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
