Two-month fishing ban in Goa begins

Panaji, June 10 (UNI) A two-month ban on fishing in Goa came into effect from today to allow rejuvenation of the marine fish resources.

The ban will automatically be lifted on Narali Purnima day, which falls on August nine, according to State Fisheries Director S C Verenkar.

Mr Verenkar told UNI that the authorities would take stringent action under the Marine Fisheries Regulation Act if any mechanised boats and trawlers were found engaged in fishing, as the breeding season had begun.

Marine fishing during the breeding time reduces the catch and, hence, the ban. All the seven main jetties at different points have been closed. The ban, however, does not apply to traditional fishermen using small boats and canoes.

Even the Coast Guard authorities have been asked to keep a watch on trawlers and mechanised boats engaged in fishing surreptitiously.

The boats of the violators would be seized and the guilty fined.

There are about 1,000 mechanised boats and trawlers in Goa getting an annual average catch of 90,000 tonnes.

The fishing has come to an end 10 days in advance with fishermen being warned not to venture into sea following rough weather with monsoon advancing into Goa.

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