From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld News Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 22: State government has come to the rescue of Goa’s traditional fishing industry that is wedged between tourism and modernization of its trade.

State Fisheries Department has issued advisory to the Goa Tourism department to segregate the fishing boats from the water sports vessels, demarcating special areas for them on the state’s beaches which are thronged by thousands every year.

The issue was raised during the meeting of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) held last week, which has representations of both – fisheries and tourism – departments.

“As far as the vehicles used for water sports activities are concerned, they need to be demarcated from the boats of traditional fishermen. There needs to be proper demarcation between both the trades,” state fisheries director Sharmila Monteiro said.

She said, “Such a demarcation is required for unhindered traditional fishing along the state’s coastal belt, which has huge footfalls of tourists.”

The issue surfaced as GCZMA has approved installation of sheds for water sports activity along the beaches for the tourism season for the next three years.

The GCZMA has suggested both the departments – fisheries and tourism – to have proper coordination between them to resolve the issues.

Approximately 700 water sports operators are registered with the tourism department, who are granted NOC by the Captain of Ports (CoP) for operation. During the off tourism season, water sports activities are encouraged in rivers.