Local fishermen have been affected by bull trawling carried out by fishermen from neighbouring states in Goa’s coastal waters, yet no action has been initiated by the authorities, said Goa Forward Party’s (GFP) MLA Vijai Sardesai during ‘Zero Hour’ on Monday. Sardesai said that due to the government’s inaction, not only have local fishermen been deprived of their livelihood, but also the people of Goa of good quality fish. If illegal fishing is allowed, it will lead to fish famine in Goa, he said. A fisherman from Benaulim, he said, intervened to stop bull trawling, while the administration did not act. Fisheries minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues denied the charge that his ministry did not act against illegal fishing. “We have never favoured illegal fishing. My department recently seized two boats. We will not permit illegal fishing,” the fisheries minister said. Bull trawling is not new to Goa and whenever such cases have been brought to their notice in the past, his ministry has acted promptly, he said.
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