GOENCHEA RAPONKARANCHO EKVOTT DEMANDS STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF FISHING LAWS IN MEETING WITH FISHERIES MINISTER
Porvorim, Goa | 5th June 2025: Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), a prominent collective of traditional fishing communities in Goa, along with allied associations, met the Hon’ble Fisheries Minister of Goa, Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, at the Secretariat in Porvorim to raise critical issues affecting the livelihood and sustainability of traditional fishermen in the state.
The delegation, led by General Secretary Olencio Simoes, submitted an eleven-point charter of demands during the meeting. Simoes emphasized that the demands were discussed in detail, and the Minister assured the group that appropriate action would be taken on all the issues raised.
Call for Immediate Action on Court Orders
GRE urged the government to ensure the strict implementation of the High Court of Bombay at Goa’s order dated 8th May 2025, which bans LED light fishing, bull trawling, and pair trawling. Simoes stated that despite the legal ban, violations are rampant, especially the use of LED lights by mechanized fishing boats at sea.
“We are demanding that the Coast Guard, Coastal Police, and the Fisheries Department be directed to enforce this ban without delay. Continued violations not only flout the Court’s directive but also pose a serious threat to Goa’s marine ecology and the livelihood of traditional fishing communities,” said Simoes.
Misuse of Diesel Generators/Gensets
One of the pressing concerns raised was the rampant misuse of diesel generators (gensets) on fishing vessels to power banned LED light systems. GRE noted that this undermines the court’s ruling and accelerates the degradation of marine biodiversity.
“Such activities compromise the future of our fishing communities and the sustainable use of our coastal waters,” said Simoes. He demanded that the government immediately ban the use of gensets and diesel generators on mechanized boats during fishing operations.
Demand for Amendments to 1980 Act
Highlighting outdated regulations, GRE called for urgent amendments to the Goa, Daman, and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980. “This Act is 45 years old and has never been amended. Stronger laws and stricter penalties are essential to curb illegal fishing and protect Goa’s territorial waters from encroachment by outside boats,” stated Simoes.
Additional Demands by GRE:
- Regulate fish catch limits for purse seiners and deep-sea trawlers.
- Increase the fuel subsidy, which was recently reduced to ₹30,000.
- Extend the monsoon fishing ban from the current duration to 90 days.
- Hand over control of the SGPDA wholesale fish market to local fishermen for better management and welfare.
GRE reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of Goa’s traditional fishermen and appealed to the state government to act swiftly and decisively on their demands.
About Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott:
Registered under the Societies Act of 1860 (Reg. No. RS./240/76) and affiliated with the National Fishworkers’ Forum, GRE represents Ramponkars, Magkars, Cantaikars, and Pagelkars from Goa. The organization works towards the protection of the environment, marine life, and the rights of traditional fishing communities.
