Porvorim, June 5 – Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), along with other allied associations, held a crucial meeting with Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, the Hon’ble Fisheries Minister of Goa, at the Secretariat in Porvorim. The delegation, led by GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes, presented an eleven-point charter of demands concerning the protection of Goa’s marine resources and traditional fishing communities.
Olencio stated that the group had an in-depth discussion with the minister, who assured them that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
Key among GRE’s demands was the strict implementation of the High Court of Bombay at Goa’s order dated May 8, 2025, which bans LED light fishing, bull trawling, and pair trawling. Despite the ban, GRE highlighted ongoing violations and urged the minister to direct the Coast Guard, Coastal Police, and Fisheries Department to take immediate enforcement action.
Another major concern raised was the misuse of diesel generators and gensets on mechanized fishing boats, which are reportedly being used to power LED lights at sea — in direct violation of the court order. GRE warned that such illegal practices severely impact marine biodiversity and threaten the livelihood of traditional fishermen.
Simoes further emphasized that although the Goa, Daman, and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act was enacted in 1980, no substantial amendments have been made in the last 45 years. GRE has called for urgent reforms, including stricter penalties, enhanced monitoring, and measures to prevent encroachment by outside boats in Goan waters.
Additional demands included:
• Regulating fish catch limits for purse seiners and deep-sea trawlers
• Increasing the monsoon fishing ban to 90 days
• Enhancing the petrol subsidy, which has been slashed to ₹30,000
• Handing over control of the SGPDA wholesale fish market to local fishermen
GRE expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to protect Goa’s coastal ecosystems and the rights of its fishing communities.
