Team Goemkarponn
CHAPORA: The Goa Fisheries Department and the Coastal Police jointly apprehended a fishing vessel registered in Goa that was illegally fishing for LEDs close to the Chapora coast on Sunday evening. The event has brought attention to the fact that local boats as well as Karnataka-based vessels are involved in extensive illegal LED fishing operations. As of late Sunday evening, it was unknown how many fish were on board the confiscated vessel, Savitri, which was registered in Goa.
Savitri, a locally registered vessel (IND. GA. 01.MM. 421), was recently seized, however, marking the first notable action against operators based in Goa. The exact number of fish retrieved and ownership details have not yet been made public by authorities. Following a tip about a boat doing LED fishing close to the coast, the Coastal Police and Fisheries Department seized the vessel, which was discovered to be outfitted with a number of strong LED lights and high-capacity generators. Authorities believe the ship was an auxiliary lighting unit that illuminated a major fishing boat that was in the area. Traditional fisherman have expressed concern about the raid’s failure to apprehend the major culprit, given the main fishing vessel was not there.
The enforcement of LED fishing has been a topic of continuous contention. Traditional fishing communities fiercely opposed the use of 60 to 150 KVA generator sets, which former Fisheries Director Shamila Monteiro had previously advocated. She was removed from office in September 2024 due to allegations of corruption and financial connections between Monteiro and LED fishing operations. Fishermen, meanwhile, contend that the laws passed under her administration still negatively impact their sector. Traditional fisherman have called for comprehensive measures to protect the state’s marine ecosystem and maintain their livelihoods, and the episode has rekindled calls for tougher enforcement against LED fishing.
