Daijiworld Media Network – Mapusa

Mapusa, May 20: Goa’s annual monsoon fishing ban will come into force from midnight of May 31, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar announced on Tuesday.

The two-month restriction, which will remain in effect throughout June and July, is imposed every year to protect marine life and support fish breeding during the peak spawning season along the State’s coastline.

During the ban period, mechanised fishing boats and trawlers will not be permitted to operate in Goa’s territorial waters.

Announcing the decision, Halarnkar said the seasonal suspension plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fishing sector.

“The monsoon ban is necessary to facilitate fish breeding and protect marine biodiversity. It is an important conservation measure that benefits both the ecosystem and the fishing community in the long run,” the minister said.

Officials clarified that traditional fishing activities using non-mechanised canoes and small-scale methods may continue, subject to existing regulations and weather conditions.

The temporary suspension is also expected to ease pressure on fish stocks, which are heavily exploited during the rest of the year.

Fisheries Department officials noted that similar fishing bans are enforced across India’s western coastline during the monsoon months in accordance with central government guidelines and marine conservation policies.

Authorities are expected to intensify coastal surveillance and monitor compliance to prevent illegal fishing operations during the restricted period. Violators may face penalties under the State’s fisheries regulations.