Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 2: The annual ban on mechanised fishing along Goa’s coastline has officially begun, stretching from June 1 through July 31. This monsoon ban aims to protect the region’s marine biodiversity during the critical breeding season, ensuring that fish stocks can replenish for the long term.

Under the ban, trawlers using trawl nets and purse-seine nets are prohibited from fishing in Goan waters. However, traditional small canoes fitted with outboard motors of up to 10 horsepower are exempt and permitted to operate using gill nets.

During this two-month pause, hundreds of mechanised trawlers remain docked not just in Goa but also across other west coast states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala.

Yet, for Goa’s traditional fishing communities, known locally as ramponkars, this period is nothing short of a windfall. With the mechanised fleet grounded, these artisanal fishers—based in quaint coastal hamlets scattered along the state’s 105-kilometer coastline—find their catches fetching higher prices at local markets.

“Fish-loving Goans often flock to these villages, eager to buy the day’s freshest catch straight from the boats,” said one local fisherman. Riverbanks and beaches alike see a buzz of activity as fish-starved markets depend on these traditional hauls.

Other traditional fishing grounds—like brackish waters and khazans (manas) with sluice gates—also come alive during the ban, sustaining local fish supplies and ensuring Goa’s iconic fish curry and rice remains on the menu.

For many, the ban is not just a regulatory measure but a seasonal celebration of traditional fishing, community bonding, and the promise of a sustainable seafood future.