Fisheries dept takes over operations of Cutbona jetty

Joao Sousa M | NT

 

MARGAO

With just one month for the fishing ban to come into effect, the government has taken over the operations of the Cutbona jetty following directions from the High Court of Bombay at Goa to prepare a system for operation of vessels from the jetty.

The directorate of fisheries has constituted a four-member team led by the superintendent for fisheries, Panaji as its chairman, the fisheries officer at Cutbona jetty as vice chairman and the chairmen of the Cutbona Fisheries Co-Operative Society Ltd, Velim and the South Goa Machanised Boat Owners Co-Operative and Marketing Society, Velim as members.

Earlier, the Cutbona Boat Owners’ Development Co-Operative Union was overseeing the operations of the jetty however owners of purse seine vessels had challenged it on the grounds that it was illegal.

The matter was disposed of by the High Court by issuing directions to the directorate of fisheries to take a call after it was submitted that the union is a registered body but had to carry out the renewal process.

The president of the union Savio D’silva, speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, informed that status quo was maintained after it was submitted in the High Court that the union is a registered body.

He pointed out that the union had not carried out audit report etc for the last 17 years however since this committee has taken over we have submitted the statement of accounts and the audit report.

He said, “We had sought time from the directorate of fisheries to complete the procedures as we have filed the income tax and also initiated process for renewal.” He however claimed that the directorate abruptly decided to take over the operation of the jetty from the union.

As per the notification, the jetty level managing committee will be formed by the department which will be headed by the superintendent of fisheries and other officials of recognised societies having valid registration certificate and operating at the jetty.

As per the notification, owners of the fishing vessel having valid fishing licence will be allowed to use the fishing jetty for landing and berthing of vessels.

Tightening the lid, the directorate has also directed that the tentative number of vessels that will be operating at the jetty during the oncoming fishing season has to be submitted by the registered fisheries co-operative societies prior to the start of the season including dimensions of the vessel, number of crew working on each vessel etc.

The directorate has also proposed a token system for vessels before venturing into the sea for fishing purpose while also regulating keeping of nets on the approach platform, ice boxes and crates on the approach platform and road of the jetty.