PANJIM: The Goa Government will impose strict restrictions on fishing in mechanised trawlers in its territorial waters from June 15, and the ban will be in place for the next 45 days, officials said Thursday. Fisheries Department has decided to seal all the four important jetties - the hub of fishing activities till July 31.
The ban has been enforced as monsoon is a breeding season for the fishes and also keeping in mind that venturing into the deep sea in stormy weather can be dangerous for the crew on the trawlers, they said. S C Verenkar, Fisheries Department Director, said, Marine Police would be roped in to ensure that no fishing trawler defies the ban.
He said they will also ensure that the trawlers from neighbouring states don't drop their nets in Goan waters. The ban is likely to force 1,000-odd trawlers to drop their anchors at jetties or in the yards, where they are taken for annual maintenance. The fishing activity in Goa has already come to a standstill since Saturday when gusty winds started hitting the coastline. Fishing is the third largest economic activity in the coastal state after mining and tourism.
According to Government figures, 54,865 tonne of fish was netted by trawlers based in Goa during 2010 as against 51,231 tonne in 2009. Currently, the State has a registered fleet of 1,134 mechanised boats, 755 country crafts, 1,963 non-motorised crafts and 6,463 nets. Goa has five fish landing centres and 14 fish landing ramps – PTI
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