Fisheries minister tells K’taka to avoid Goan waters

Panaji:Goa fisheries minister Nilkanth Harlankar has reached out to the director of fisheries of Karnataka, Dinesh Kumar Kaller, regarding the rise in trawler encroachment by boat owners from Karnataka in Goa’s coastal waters.
“There should be no conflict between fishermen from both states. Kaller has assured us of issuing a circular to boat owners, urging them to avoid fishing in Goan waters,” Harlankar told TOI.
This move comes in response to growing complaints from the fisherfolk in Baina and Vasco about illegal fishing activities.
The fisheries department has established an enforcement wing, comprising fisheries personnel, the deputy director of fisheries, and Goa police. The team will patrol the state’s coastline on boats to monitor unauthorised cross-border fishing activities. “Any violating fishing boat will be escorted to the nearest jetty in Goa, where the catch will be auctioned,” Harlankar said, adding that the team is prepared to take decisive action.