Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), along with 18 fishing associations from across Goa, held a joint press conference on Saturday, strongly criticising the Fisheries Department and demanding the resignation of Fisheries Director Dr Sharmila Monteiro. The traditional fishing community alleged that the director is acting in favour of the mechanised boat owner lobby and ignoring the plight of small-scale fishers.
GRE President Agnelo Rodrigues accused Dr Monteiro of colluding with boat owners, stating that she had filed an affidavit in the High Court seeking a 150 KV generator to facilitate the illegal use of LED light fishing — a practice banned in Goa for nearly a decade.
Rodrigues also condemned the recent issuance of show cause notices to traditional fishermen over alleged violations of the monsoon fishing ban. He alleged that these notices were issued selectively under pressure from the mechanised boat owner mafia, while large trawlers and violators went unchecked.
He defended the use of a second 9.9 HP outboard motor by traditional fishermen, clarifying that it is carried only as a safety backup during the unpredictable monsoon season. “There is no rescue mechanism from the Fisheries Department or Coastal Police. If the main motor fails during rough seas, a second motor becomes essential to return safely to shore,” he explained.
Custodio D’Souza, President of the Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Cooperative Society, Vasco, challenged the Fisheries Department to impound all mechanised boats from August 1, alleging that most of them violate norms related to boat size, engine power, and fishing nets. “These boats have repeatedly violated the 5 km ban even during inspection. The Fisheries Director has failed to act against them,” he said.
He also condemned recent allegations against National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) General Secretary Olencio Simoes, affirming community support for him. “Olencio is our leader, just like his late uncle was. We stand with him,” said D’Souza.
Addressing the media, Olencio Simoes said GRE and allied associations have submitted a memorandum to all coastal MLAs demanding strict implementation of the High Court of Bombay at Goa order dated May 8, 2025. The order bans LED light fishing, bull trawling, and pair trawling, and outlines seven directions for enforcement.
“We have also demanded a complete ban on the use of diesel generators on mechanised fishing boats,” said Simoes. He stressed the need to amend the outdated Goa, Daman and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980, to include higher penalties and stronger enforcement mechanisms. “It’s been 45 years since the Act was passed. We propose increasing the fine for LED light fishing from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh, and for illegal Malphe boats to ₹10 lakh,” he added.
GRE has warned that failure to act on these demands will result in a statewide agitation by the fishing community.
