Traditional fishermen from Baga-Calangute have alleged that they are being harassed by their counterparts from neighbouring states while fishing in the coastal waters close to the Calangute shore. Speaking to media at Baga-Calangute the fisherman pointed out that fish poaching is done by fisherman from Malpe, Karwar and Shiroda on large trawlers in the five-kms no-fishing zone with LED lights with the authorities turning a blind eye to the illegal activity.
They said large trawlers from Malpe, at times numbering 60-70, come to the coast close to Calangute-Baga and do bull-trawling, taking away huge amounts of prize fish. Fishermen, who go out on small boats fitted with outboard motors, said they have been repeatedly complaining about this to the fisheries department and coastal police, but no action is being taken. a local fisherman anthony fernandes pointed out that the fish catch is dwindling.
Earlier a lot of boats would go from Calangute-Baga, but now only six-seven of us go, so they take advantage,” Anthony Fernandes, a fisherman, said. “If we go in their waters close to Shiroda (Maharashtra), then their authorities are prompt in taking action and seize our boats but we then pay a fine of Rs 5,000,” they said.