NT Reporter
Panaji
With the 61-day fishing ban in the state coming into force from June 1, the Fisheries Department has warned fishing vessel operators that their licences will be cancelled if they are found fishing during the ban period.
The government has prohibited fishing by vessels fitted with mechanical means of propulsion, as well as fishing using trawl nets and purse seine nets, along the sea coast and in the territorial waters of the state from June 1 to July 31.
However, fishing by registered motorised canoes fitted with outboard or inboard motors up to 10 BHP using only gill nets will be permitted during the period.
In directions issued to all fishermen’s societies, Fisheries Director Shamila Monteiro said that during the ban period the jetties will be taken over by the district magistrate and sealed.
“Patrolling of the jetties and landing centres by the police authorities along with the departmental officials shall be carried out during this period. Any mechanised fishing vessel operators found using the jetty for landing or sale or auction of fish shall be dealt with severely as per the provisions of law,” Monteiro said.
The directions state
that, as per Writ Petition No. 212 of 2000 before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, licences granted to all mechanised fishing vessels remain suspended during the
ban period. If any such vessel is found fishing during this period, its licence will
stand cancelled automatically and will not be renewed thereafter.
The department has also warned that any fishing vessel violating the ban will
be seized.
“Further, it may also be noted that such violators shall also be disqualified from receiving benefits under any government scheme,” Monteiro said.
