PANAJI: A federation to unite the entire traditional fishing community in Goa is being launched. The announcement was made at a press conference held by AAP MLA Venzy Viegas in Benaulim on Thursday.
"The reason there are issues repeatedly affecting the traditional fishing community at the wholesale fish market in Margao is because there’s no unity among the fishing community," Viegas said.
"Today we appeal to all fishing associations to come togehlther. They have all agreed that unity is necessary to fight for their rights. The battle is fresh fish v/s refrigerated fish,” he said.
"If fresh fish has to win all fishermen in Goa have to come together,” Viegas added.
Jose Fernandes representing Kharvi Bhavacho Ekvot said all traditional fishing associations from Arambol to Canacona have been invited to join the federation so that their difficulties can be better addressed under one banner.
All the associations will come together for a joint meeting on Saturday, October 14 at Benaulim.
Thomas Rodrigues president of the traditional fishermen association of Colva said the entire wholesale fish market which was meant for the benefit of the traditional fisher folk in Margao has been dominated by traders.
He rued the lack of infrastructure for fishing community to sell fish, dry fish, keep ice, etc.
He added that the fishing community also faces problems when looking to renovate their traditional houses because of CRZ regulations, especially in the case of families where there are many siblings.
