Goa has witnessed a massive shortfall in fish production during fishing season 2015-16 compared to the year preceding it, the Legislative Assembly was informed.
"The fish production which was 1.14 lakh tonne during the season July 2014-June 2015, crashed down to 96,189 tonne for July 2015-June 2016," according to the reply tabled in the House by Fisheries Minster Avertano Furtado yesterday.
However, he said that though the marine catch dropped during 2015-16, the production of fish from inland waters went up at during the same time.
"During 2014-15, 1.10 lakh tonne of fish were caught from sea which came down to 91,772 tonne during 2015-16. On the other hand, the fish catch from inland waters increased from 3,723 tonne (2014-15) to 4417 tonne for 2015-16," he said.
The minister attributed the shortfall in fish production to "reduction in the catch of oil sardines."
In Goa, fishing is carried out entire year, barring one month (June 30-July 31). The fishing season is set to resume tomorrow.
Responding to another question, the minister said his department has requested 'Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute' (CMFRI) to carry out impact studies of LED on the fisheries resources.
He said the order banning the use of LED lights in territorial waters of Goa has already been issued on May 12 this year.
