PANJIM: Two fishing trawlers from Malpe, Karnataka were caught illegally fishing in Goa waters at Nerul, Bardez on Sunday.
Traditional fishermen of Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) chased the trawlers and also helped the Coastal Security police to seize two vessels loaded with fish. Both the vessels were later brought to the Panjim jetty with fish catch worth lakhs of rupees. Action will be taken against the owners of both the vessels as per law, it was informed.
According to fishermen, as many as 50 to 60 trawlers were illegally fishing into Goa waters. However, fishermen with the help of coastal security police managed to seize two vessels. Both the boats were loaded with different variety of fish including species which are not permitted for capture this month. They found fish species like Bangdo (mackerels), Gobro (Reef Cod), Korli (Silver Bar), Diana (Leather Jacket fish), Sangot (Cat Fish), Somdhalo (Butter fish) and Maanki (Squids) inside the boats.
The fishermen rued lack of response from the Department of Fisheries. They alleged that the boats from neighbouring State were using LED lights and it was going unchecked under the government’s watch.
They pointed out that the State government by an order in May 2016 had prohibited fishing using LED lights in the State and it was not strictly enforced.
This is second time two boats form Malpe were seized fishing in Goa waters within a month. On October 4, two boats from Malpe were seized while illegally fishing in Goa waters, within 10 nautical miles between Vasco coast and Bat Island.