Latest news with #GoaMarineFishingRegulationAct
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt invites bids for drone surveillance to curb illegal fishing
Panaji: The fisheries department has invited tenders for drone-based surveillance and digital data maintenance to curb rising cases of illegal cross-border fishing within Goa's 12-nautical-mile territorial waters. 'The directorate of fisheries is inviting the tender for 'appointment of agency for drone-based surveillance and digital data maintenance' for enforcement of the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 and Rule 1982, under the department of fisheries, govt of Goa,' the circular states. In June, TOI reported that the fisheries department tested drones on trial for two months to monitor illegal fishing. With the pilot project now complete, the department plans to expand drone surveillance to crack down on fishing using LED lights, bull trawling, and cross-border fishing. The e-tender notice states that the last date for online requests for tender documents is Aug 18 at 2pm, with bid submissions accepted until 5pm. Technical bids open on Aug 19 at 11am, followed by presentations from eligible bidders at 3pm before a selection committee in Panaji. Financial bids open on Aug 20 at 11am. The tender document costs Rs 5,000 (non-refundable), with an earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 2 lakh, valid for 180 days. Officials said that the tender process can change, and the directorate may extend deadlines, cancel bids or reject proposals without an explanation. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
Boat owners allege violations by traditional fisherfolk during ban
Panaji: Mechanised boat owners on Tuesday alleged that canoe operators run by traditional fishermen were engaging in blatant violations during the ongoing 61-day fishing ban, which is meant to facilitate the breeding of fish. They alleged that the canoe boats, which are permitted to fish within one nautical mile during the ban period, were making use of monofilament fishing nets and motors with increased horsepower for normal fishing purposes. 'These are traditional fishermen who are not allowed to use mechanised gear. If they continue operating with such tools exceeding 9.9 horsepower, it puts the canoe operators in the 'mechanised category' and their operations will affect fish breeding during the ban period,' said boat owner Sebastiao Cardozo. The boat owners further demanded immediate intervention by govt and the high court in this matter. Under the provisions of the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980, fishing vessels fitted with mechanical propulsion systems are barred from operations during the fishing ban period. However, registered motorised canoes equipped with outboard or inboard motors of up to 10 horsepower capacity are exempted, provided they utilise gill nets exclusively for fishing purposes. 'There are fisheries superintendents and jetty staff to ensure that mechanised boat owners are not violating the ban. However, the scrutiny is not extended to canoe owners. There is no effort by the fisheries department to conduct health checks on the migrant workers on canoes either or verify their identity. They are a completely unorganised sector,' mechanised fisherman Harshad Dhond said. Goa govt annually imposes a ban from June 1 to July 31, prohibiting fishing activities using mechanical means of propulsion, trawl nets, and purse seine nets. The ban applies along the seacoast and territorial waters of the state.
