Droning Out Illegal Fishing: Goa's Aerial Surveillance Strategy

Goa plans to deploy drones to curb illegal fishing activities and bull trawling along its coast. With allegations of collusion between officials and illegal fishers, drones will enhance surveillance. The Fisheries Department aims to prevent trawlers from neighboring states entering its waters unlawfully.

In a move to deter illegal fishing, Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced plans to use drones for surveillance along the state's coastline. The decision comes after allegations of collusion between fisheries officials and illegal fishers, particularly those involved in bull trawling.

Bull trawling involves two boats pulling a net across the seabed, a method harmful to the marine environment. Sawant highlighted that fishing trawlers from neighboring Maharashtra often stray into Goa's waters, either deliberately or unintentionally.

Recently, coastal police seized several boats and arrested crew members violating fishing regulations. Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halarnkar confirmed the drones' effectiveness, having tested them for three months with a range of 20 km into the sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)