Goa: Fish, curry and rice: It's the staple diet in Goa. But both localites and visitors alike might find that they are paying a bit more for that fish dish on their menu for the next few weeks.
A state-wide ban on fishing by trawlers is in place until the end of July, following a Supreme Court order.
“It is a ban as per the directives of SC. It implies for all the states,” said Goa Chief Minister, Digamber Kamat.
The ban is meant to allow breeding of fish, and environmentalists say it's well worth it.
“Traditionally, it is proved that this is the breeding period for fish. So ban during this time is essential. Over-exploitation of fishing also gets prevented because of which number of fish is decreasing in last three-four years,” said President of Goa Environment Federation, Mr Averthanus D'Souza.
Around 800 trawlers fish off the state's 105-kilometre coastline, and most of them are already off the sea.
The ban, which extends to all maritime states, does not apply to traditional fishermen who fish for a living using canoes and small boats.
But restaurants are feeling the pinch. “When customers come they ask for good fish. But now because of this ban, it will be difficult to get adequate fish,” said a hotel owner, Narcimha Salgaonkar.
This ban on fishing for next one and half month has troubled the taste of many.
But although not welcomed by most, it is something very important for breeding of fish in this season.
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