PANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa has pulled up state authorities for letting off violators engaged in LED fishing with a “paltry” fine of Rs 5000 each and without any seizure of equipment.
“If the violators are to be let off with a paltry fine, then the ban's implementation would be a casualty,” the HC stated.
It asked authorities to consider taking action against violators under the provisions of the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 and the Rules, if they are serious about implementing the ban.
“Letting off violators with a paltry fine of 5,000/- hardly amounts to the ban's ? implementation,” the division bench stated.
The Indian Coast Guard’s District Commander (Officiating), Commandant Avninder Singh Nanda had submitted to the HC that 17 fishing boats were found to be indulging in LED fishing and added that the Indian Coast Guard can only report the violations to the Directorate of Fisheries but not itself take stringent action.
“The State authorities must report further action, if any, against the violators of the ban by the next date. In particular, the State authorities must report action against the 17 fishing boats found by the ICG to be indulging in LED fishing. The ICG has provided the details of such 17 fishing boats…” the HC stated.
The division bench is hearing a public interest petition filed by Goa Foundation seeking directions to state and central government to implement their own orders prohibiting LED lights during fishing.
Goa Foundation submitted that there is unwillingness by authorities to implement their own orders banning LED fishing which has resulted in destruction of sustainable fishing. It also told the court that fishing vessels invariably carry generators which are then used for LED and other artificial lighting as well as bull/pair trawling and urged that action be taken against such vessels.
