Goa govt may consider allowing small fishermen to import fish

The Goa government Tuesday said it may consider allowing small-time fishermen from the villages bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka to import fish into the state.

The Health Department had last month imposed a ban on the import of fish in the wake of reports that formalin, a toxic chemical, was being used as a preservative.

Talking to reporters, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, however, made it clear that the ban on import of fish would not be lifted, and only those who comply with the FDA guidelines would be allowed to bring fish into the state.

Rane said several delegations of Maharashtra and Karnataka MLAs were coming to Goa with a request to lift the ban.

"There are a few instances, wherein fishermen from neighbouring Shiroda (Maharashtra) and Karwar (Karnataka) catch the fish in small canoes and bring it into the state," the minister said.

"We might give a relook at the ban on the import of fish from these areas as they transport the fish within an hour of catching it and bring it for sale into Goa," Rane added.

However, he did not give any commitment to the fishermen. "I need to examine their request to allow the fish being imported into the state after holding talks it with the authorities concerned," he said.

He said the government will not reconsider its law that makes it compulsory for the wholesale fish traders to comply with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) guidelines.

The minister said ban on import of fish will continue.

"We have to understand that there is no going back on the fish (import) ban. Those who comply with the FDA notification would be allowed to bring in fish. I am of the firm stand that there will not be any kind of relook on this issue," he said.

"My priority is health of the people of Goa. We have taken a decision and this decision is not going to be reversed," he said.

"We have clearly mentioned that insulated vehicles should be used. The FDA has given certain guidelines and compliance of them is a must," he added.

"I would like to appeal to the people of Goa that we must all remain united and ensure that our department is able to function independently and we are able to take things forward," the minister said.