Goa, 12th September 2024: The Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), an organization representing the interests of Goa’s traditional fishing communities, has welcomed the government’s recent decision to relieve Fisheries Director Shamila Monterio from her duties. The GRE has been vocal about the need for strict action against Monterio, citing her alleged misconduct and negligence, which they claim has severely affected the fishing industry in Goa and beyond.
Camilo Souza, Vice President of GRE, emphasized that Monterio should be removed from all official positions, including her role as Member Secretary of the Goa Pollution Control Board. Souza further demanded that a thorough investigation be conducted by a retired judge to examine the allegations of gross misconduct and corruption against Monterio. “Her actions have not only devastated the fishing community in Goa but have also resulted in the loss of lives of fishers from neighboring states,” Souza stated.
Francisco Braganza, another GRE member, highlighted Monterio’s controversial stance in court, where she allegedly supported the use of generator/GD sets with capacities ranging from 60 to 150 kVA. According to Braganza, this position exposes her connection with illegal LED light fishing operators. Despite the long-standing ban on LED light fishing in Goa, Monterio failed to enforce it over the last eight years, raising serious concerns about her impartiality.
Olencio Simoes, General Secretary of GRE, expressed dismay over Goa’s tarnished reputation due to Monterio’s actions. He pointed out that both international and national fishing organizations had to intervene, with Herman Kumara, Secretary General of the World Forum for Fishers People (WFFP) from Sri Lanka, and Leo Colaco, Chairperson of the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) from Maharashtra, calling for an immediate ban on LED light fishing in Goa.
Simoes remarked, “While countries around the world are strengthening regulations to protect marine resources, Goa’s fisheries department seemed intent on undermining the livelihoods of local fishers and damaging India’s reputation in the global fishing community.” He also criticized Monterio for attending international meetings, such as one in Norway, while neglecting the basic needs of Goa’s fishers.
GRE has reiterated its demands for a complete ban on LED light fishing, the use of generators, high-speed engines, and bull trawling. The organization has also called on the government to appoint a new Fisheries Director who is dedicated to protecting the interests of traditional fishers in Goa.