NT Reporter | Panaji
To curb illegal fishing and enhance coastal patrolling, the Fisheries Department has proposed to deploy fishing canoes at five locations where illegal fishing activities are reported near the shore.
These proposed areas include Arambol, Calangute, Benaulim, Baina and Talpona.
Fisheries Director Dr Shamila Monteiro said that the department conducts patrolling duties within the territorial waters of the state and to enhance coastal patrolling it is proposed to hire fishing canoes from fishermen on an hourly basis at five
strategic locations.
“The arrangement would enable rapid deployment to areas where illegal fishing activities are reported near the shore, thereby facilitating timely interception of offending vessels,” Dr Monteiro said.
The department said that the canoes should have motor of capacity upto 10 HP and length between 30 to 38 feet and there should be minimum two crew members on the canoe including one driver.
The canoes should be well equipped with lifesaving equipment including lifejackets and lifebuoys, firefighting appliances and other safety gadgets as applicable. Additionally, the canoes should
be in good condition and carry sufficient amounts of petrol. The canoes should be given as
and when required at the disposal of the Directorate of Fisheries.
