Goa's fishing dispute touches Agassaim MLA?

According to information just received large number of trawler owners have assembled today 20th September 2017 at from 11.30 am onward at the residence of Agassaim MLA Francis Silveira asking for his intervention to allow trawlers share in fishing in Zuari in violation of law. 

Francis Silveira called up one of the fishermen on Zuari coast to ask whether they are willing to share river to allow illegal trawler fishing in Zuari. Traditional Fishermen has strictly refused to let trawlers carry on illegal fishing in Zuari river. BMM appreciates MLA Silveira's decision to phone and consult traditional fishermen on this issue.

Bharat Mukti Morcha (BMM) calls upon Agassaim MLA Francis Silveira not to get carried away into supporting illegal and ecologically dangerous fishing in Zuari within 5 kilo meters from the coast as per existing law and ban on trawling in rivers of Goa including night fishing.

It may be recalled that earlier this month in rare and courageous act Goa Fisheries minister Vinod Paliekar cracked down on rampant illegal fishing in zuari and placed director of Fisheries Dr. Shamila Monteiro on suspension . Click here for links. BMM supports this action of Goa Fisheries Minister.

Trawling is well known for causing depletion of fishing grounds and wastage. This has been well captured by Bikram Dasgupta's poem "The Mackerel and the Sea Birds". Click here for links.

BMM is opposed to illegal fishing in Zuari violating existing laws that define the distance from the shore, technique of fishing and size of fishing nets with no compromise on long term sustainability of Zuari river as fishing venue for traditional fishing.