The fishing community in Goa is worried that the recent introduction of fish-light attractors (FLAs) on trawlers will lead to fish famine in the state.
Taking cue from counterparts in southern states, a group of trawler owners in Goa have installed FLAs on their vessels creating inequality in the fish catch, fishing community leaders have complained to the state government.
"These are high voltage lights costing as much as Rs five lakh each that are being used to attract fish mid-sea. The blue or green light is beamed in the water to attract fish. A trawler with such equipment nets almost all the fish in the area and rest of them without this gadget are left to fend for themselves," Simon Pereira, General Secretary, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association told PTI.
Based out of Vasco town, Simon, a second-generation fisherman said his trawler returned with just two baskets of mackerels after venturing out into the sea for eight days.
"In the next two years you will have fish famine in Goa," he predicted.
According to government estimates, around one lakh people are dependent directly or indirectly on fishing industry which is spread across the 105 km-long coastline. There are 1,000 trawlers operating from seven fishing jetties.
"These LED lights are used by Maharashtra and southern states like Karnataka and Kerala. The trend has now begun in Goa since last two months. At least twenty trawlers are now fitted with this equipment," Pereira said.
The fishermen's leader said the state government should have conducted environment impact assessment before allowing these LED lights.
Francis Fernandes, Director, Malim Fishermen's Cooperative Society said a memorandum has already been submitted to the state government but the action has to come from the Centre.
"People sitting in Parliament without any knowledge about the sea have allowed these lights. They should be banned across the country, first starting from southern states," Fernandes said, adding a memorandum has also been submitted to Lok Sabha MP from South Goa, Narendra Sawaikar.
Fernandes said all the wrong trends in fishing were
initially started by southern states and then emulated by others.
"They first started high speed engine boats, then bull trawling... Everything that is against the laws of sea has been started by them," he alleged.
When contacted over the issue, Goa Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado said the state has not allowed these LED lights.
"Goa has banned use of any such lights though they are allowed in Karnataka and Maharashtra. We will inspect the jetties to find out who are using it in the state. Strict action would be initiated," he said.
