Traditional fishermen in Goa are raising alarm bells over a significant drop in this year’s fish catch, attributing it to the invasion of trawlers from Maharashtra and Karnataka into Goan waters. The intrusion of these trawlers, they say, is robbing local fishermen of their livelihoods, leaving them with minimal returns.
Expressing their frustration, fishermen lamented the sight of nearly 40 trawlers from neighbouring states plundering fish from Goan waters. Despite lodging numerous complaints, they bemoan the authorities’ indifference and cite delayed responses from coastal police and fisheries department officials, often arriving too late to effectively intervene.
Fishermen have appealed to the Chief Minister for urgent action, demanding that coastal police be equipped with at least five boats to intercept and apprehend rogue trawlers encroaching upon Goan waters.
Struggling to survive financially, fishermen have repeatedly voiced concerns about the rampant intrusion of trawlers jeopardising their traditional fishing businesses and livelihoods, passed down through generations. They urge the government to protect local businesses from the encroachment of non-Goan fishermen and take decisive measures to curb disruptive activities of outside trawlers, ensuring the sustainability of traditional fishing practices in Goan waters.
Pele Fernandes from Benaulim narrated his ordeal, stating, “The fish catch is gradually decreasing. Trawlers from Maharashtra and Karnataka fish in Goan waters, sometimes in groups of 15 to 20 or even 40. They plunder our fish resources. Despite informing the authorities, they arrive too late. We need patrol boats to tackle this.
With dwindling fish resources and ineffective surveillance, fishermen are left with little hope, relying on divine intervention for a resolution to their plight.