The Goa government today appealed to Centre to ban the entry of trawlers from neighbouring Karnataka in the state waters, saying the modern techniques used by these boats are severely affecting the fish catch in the coastal state.
Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai said employing techniques like the use of LED light or bull trawling are causing "over exploitation" of fishing resources.
The state government had earlier also flagged its concerns vis-a-vis the Karnataka fishing trawlers and said the use of the modern techniques could result into a "fish famine" not only in Goa but across the country also.
"We speak a lot about how to conserve ocean. We also speak about sustainable development. These are good concepts. But we should know the basic concept is that fishing using LED lights and bull trawling is causing over exploitation of fisheries resources," Sardesai said.
The minister cited a data to stress his point that the fish catch is dwindling around the world due to the use of sophisticated fishing methods.
"It is feared that no fish will remain in sea by the year 2048. Over-fishing is going to completely finish the catch," he said.
Sardesai said that Karnataka is the "most irresponsible state" when it comes to using LED lights and bull trawling.
"On the behalf of Goan fishermen, I am going to raise this issue. The Central government needs to walk the talk as it had made many resolutions on protecting the fish production. But what we see is that a fish famine is approaching," Sardesai said.
He alleged that Goa was suffering due to "non-cooperation" from Karnataka.
"I think it is the duty of the Central government as well as all organisations associated with the government to ensure that our neighbouring states abide by the rules," he added.
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