Panaji: All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries’ Union has complained to the Fisheries Director Sharmila Monteiro against the illegal fishing by trawlers in River Zuari despite ongoing ban.
Union President Roque Menezes has said “it has come to our attention that daily trawlers are carrying on illegal fishing in Zuari river during night time due to the negligence of your office in Patrolling.”
“On June 23, 2021 night one trawler got entangled with underwater sunk ship while trawling at night time in Zuari river. Four other trawlers that were operating from Vasco were stranded in rescue operation to free the entangled trawler. Next day June 24, 2021 this incident was shared by audio on WhatsApp by former vice-president of Old Cross Fishing Co-operative society at Kharewada Prem Dabolkar under Article 19 of the Constitution of India: Right to Freedom of Speech and expression.”
“However it has come to attention that one trawler owner Tulsidas Kukalkar who owns ‘Netra’ trawler and notorious record holder for illegal fishing damaged electricity and water connection of Prem Dhabolkar at Vasco. We had complained to your office about Tulsidas Kukalkar’ illegal trawling in Zuari river in the past but there is no action from your office that we know of.”
“We want to convey to you that because of inaction from your office Fisheries in Goa are getting criminal fall outs.”
