The state of Goa, in western India, has taken a bold step towards addressing the scourge of illegal fishing practices that threaten its marine ecosystem and livelihoods. The Fisheries Department of Goa has initiated a pilot drone surveillance program, aimed at enhancing enforcement across the state’s coastal waters. This innovative approach is part of the department’s efforts to combat practices such as LED light fishing, which have been widely criticized for their detrimental impact on marine life and traditional fishing livelihoods.

1. LED light fishing
2. Bull trawling
3. Mass capture of juvenile fish and other non-target species

These practices have long been a concern among environmental advocates and traditional fishing communities. They often result in the mass capture of juvenile fish and other non-target species, posing a serious threat to marine biodiversity and local economies. The Fisheries Department of Goa has taken a proactive approach to address these issues, and the introduction of drone surveillance is widely seen as a positive step towards achieving this goal. The pilot project, which began over ten days ago, involves the use of drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to monitor fishing activities in real-time. The drones can capture clear images of individuals on fishing boats and cover an area of up to ten kilometers of sea area. The department’s jurisdiction stretches to 12 kilometers offshore, allowing for more effective monitoring of vessel activity.

“Over the past ten days, we have been conducting drone surveillance. Each drone can monitor up to ten kilometers of sea area, though our jurisdiction stretches to 12 kilometers offshore,” said Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar. “The cameras can capture clear images of individuals on fishing boats. This is currently a two-month pilot project.”

The minister added that once the fishing season resumes, the department will be able to oversee vessel activity remotely from its headquarters in Panjim. This would enable the department to detect the use of LED lights for fishing, a method banned due to its harmful environmental effects. A formal tender will soon be issued to extend drone operations for a full year, demonstrating the department’s commitment to this initiative.

The introduction of drone surveillance is seen as a significant milestone in the fight against illegal fishing practices in Goa. It is a step towards creating a more sustainable and responsible fishing industry, one that prioritizes the well-being of marine ecosystems and traditional fishing communities. Benefits of Drone Surveillance
• Real-time monitoring of fishing activities
• Ability to detect and deter illegal fishing practices
• Reduced environmental impact
• Enhanced enforcement capabilities
• Improved vessel activity monitoring

• Mass capture of juvenile fish and other non-target species
• Threat to marine biodiversity
• Damage to local economies
• Negative impact on traditional fishing livelihoods
Fisherfolk across the state have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement, harsher penalties, and a complete ban on destructive fishing techniques. The introduction of drone surveillance is widely seen as a positive step towards addressing these longstanding issues. Key Highlights
• Pilot drone surveillance program to monitor fishing activities
• High-resolution cameras to capture clear images of fishing boats
• Ability to detect and deter illegal fishing practices
• Enhanced enforcement capabilities
• Positive step towards creating a sustainable and responsible fishing industry
In conclusion, the Fisheries Department of Goa’s initiative to launch a drone surveillance program is a significant step forward in the fight against illegal fishing practices. By leveraging technology to enhance enforcement, the department is taking a proactive approach to protect marine ecosystems and traditional fishing communities. The benefits of this initiative are clear, and it is likely to have a positive impact on the state’s fishing industry and environment.