Lack of manpower hurdle in curbing bull trawling: Goa minister

Goa Fisheries Minister Philip

Neri Rodrigues on Wednesday said his department does not have enough manpower and equipment to keep a check on bull trawling and LED light fishing, which is banned in the state.

In 2017, the Goa government had banned fishing by use of LED lights or bull trawling in the state waters, as they result in overexploitation of the fishery resources.

A delegation of traditional fishermen met Rodrigues on Wednesday claiming that many trawlers were illegally using LED lights or indulging in bull trawling despite the ban.

Talking to reporters after meeting, Rodrigues admitted that his department is not does not have mechanism to catch these trawlers.

 

"The traditional fishermen say that because of advanced technology in fishing, the marine life will be finished. It will result in worst time for the fisheries sector," the minister said.

"We are not able to curb bull trawling and LED light fishing, which is banned in the state. We don't have enough manpower and equipment. We need to collaborate with other agencies like the Indian Coast Guard and state Ports Department to curb these activities," he said.

Rodrigues said he would soon hold a meeting to coordinate with other agencies so that the ban can be implemented in real spirit.

The minister said the fishermen also told him that several abandoned vessels on the jetties were posing a hurdle in fishing activities.

He said the department will identify such vessels and issue notices to the owners asking them to remove it.

"We will give time to the owners to shift the vessels from there," he said.