Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 14: In a glaring example of regulatory failure, around 600 fishing vessels are allegedly operating without licences in Goa, exposing serious lapses within the Department of Fisheries.

The shocking revelation came through an internal government order, triggering fresh scrutiny of the department’s functioning. The issue also coincides with Shamila Monteiro’s return as Director of Fisheries — a move that has rekindled past controversies including illegal LED fishing, unhygienic jetties, and a reportedly lenient stance on vessel documentation.

An internal directive dated April 30, 2025, issued by outgoing Director Yashaswini B (IAS), marked as ‘Most Urgent,’ highlighted that only 292 licences had been issued this fishing season, despite 658 transponders being active — a discrepancy that implies over 600 boats are operating without valid permits.

Following this, Zonal Superintendents were ordered to issue show-cause notices to defaulters and submit a consolidated report by May 5. However, insiders said many boat owners are yet to respond, and the department is still awaiting the compliance reports.

Sources revealed that these unlicensed boats are also operating without proper crew documentation and no penal action has been taken since 2014. “There is no law to penalize them,” an official admitted.

Monteiro had earlier filed an affidavit before the High Court of Bombay at Goa stating that every vessel must carry a valid fishing pass before leaving port. The same affidavit also directed officers to inspect boats for illegal fishing gear like LED lights and attractors.

Repeated attempts to reach officials for comment went unanswered.