From Daijiworld's special correspondent
Panaji, Jun 12: "While Goan trawler owners are forced to anchor their fishing boats on jetties imposing fishing ban, the trawlers from neighbouring Karnataka state are making merry into Goan owners.
"The trawlers from Karwar (Karnataka) went back with a large catch of mackerel and prawns while we are forced to anchor our trawlers at jetties," complained Seby D'Silva, a trawler owner and member Cutbona Boat-owners Association in south Goa.
Violations by neighbouring states have been an usual affair in Goan waters during the fishing ban period. "We are helpless… Trawlers from other states make merry while we have to adhere to all the rules," he said.
Goa has imposed fishing ban from June 10 and will continue till August 9, which is the day to celebrate Narli Poornima.
"I have heard that there are violations but I will have to check how far the complaints are true," commented Goa's fisheries minister Joaquim Alemao, who is currently out of station.
The minister assured that he would talk to respective governments, if there is any violations by Karnataka or Maharashtra trawlers.
The state fisheries department contended that they have sought help from the Coast Guard to check violations in the sea." Every year, the coast guard helps us out in keeping vigil off-shore," S C Verenkar, director, fisheries stated.
The fisheries department admit lack of equipments to tackle the violations off-goa coast. "We are regularly getting reports from coast guard," he said.
Rajtilak Naik adds with picture
The state government has officially banned fishing in until August 15. Last year the ban was lifted on July 31. This year, the ban is expected to last till August 15. The fisheries department's order states that this is the most crucial period for fish breeding.
However, fisheries director S C Vernekar in a statement has said that the ban period lasts till August 15, but the expirty date could be advanced by 15 days.
The picture shows fishing trawlers being anchored in the Malim jetty in Panaji.