Goa Director of Fisheries allows illegal trawlers fish in Zuari, delays police action

Today 8th January 2015 at 9.00 am six trawlers were found to be engaged in illegal fishing in Zuari river. Director of Fisheries Sharmila Monteiro was immediately contacted by fishermen and member of Panchayat from Cacra Sanjay Pereira. Director told him to contact Superintendent of Fisheries. When the Superintendent of Fisheries was contacted he informed that he cannot act until ordered to do so by the Director of Fisheries. 

Then at 12.00 noon full three hour after an offense committed and Director being informed, police reached Bambolim coast and were searching for illegally fishing trawlers. When they could not trace the trawlers they met local residents. Police were questioned as to the reasons for delay in approaching Zuari river. Police informed that they cannot come until sent by Director of Fisheries. So clearly today they were not informed on time and trawlers allowed to carry on illegal fishing activities in Zuari river. This is also the reason as to why there is no permanent fishing vessel being stationed in Zuari river. The above pictures are of the today morning illegal trawling off Cacra coast.