Illegal fishing taking place with ‘blessings’ of politicians: Maggie

NT NETWORK

PANAJI

Raising grave concern over the rampant ‘illegal fishing’ in River Zuari, the Goa unit of Bharat Mukti Morcha (BMM) on Thursday alleged that the illegal activities are taking place with the ‘blessings’ of politicians.

The traditional fishermen mainly from Odxel, Cacra, Nauxim, Bambolim, Siridao and Curca villages affiliated to BMM have been raising the issue of illegal fishing with their respective MLAs and have also knocked the doors of Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai.

However, the traditional fishermen have alleged that the issue stands unresolved, as illegal fishing activity in Zuari River by trawler owners and mini purse-seine boat owners continues to take place.

When president of BMM Maggie Silveira was questioned on whether they suspect that the illegal activity in River Zuari has continued with the support of politicians, she said, “Yes, as we can see illegalities happening every single day and no voice is raised by Vinod Palyekar and Vijai Sardesai. They have failed to protect the rights of the Ramponkars.”

She said that due to lack of concern and empathy towards the traditional fishermen and their families, the fisheries department and the other concerned enforcement agencies have failed to address this issue.

Silveira said that the state has been witnessing a substantial decline in the fish catch over the years, as baby fish and small species are caught by those indulging in illegal fishing and it

is discarded and used as manure. She said that illegal fishing is harming the ecological balance of the marine resources in River Zuari and the garbage and sewage waste released by starred hotels also poses a threat to marine life. She said that the Goa State Pollution Control Board should inspect the river shore and initiate action against the culprits.

Silveira said that government should scrap the proposed marina projects in the interest of the traditional fishermen.

“There were two lease deeds signed by Mormugao Port Trust in 2010 for marina projects at Nauxim and Sancoale and they are highly manipulative, as they don’t even acknowledge the existence of fishing activities in Zuari river. These projects will destroy the fishing activities, the only source of livelihood for the fishermen,” she said.

Silveira vowed to continue fighting for the protection and rights of the traditional fishermen. “Pen is mightier than the sword and we know how to use the pen. Our movement will go on…no looking back,” she concluded.