Marine Expert Proposes Trial Fishing Ban for Key Species in Goa
A leading marine biologist has called for a temporary ban on commercial fishing of mackerel and sardines along Goa's coastline. Dr Shivakumar Haragi, an assistant professor in marine biology at Karnatak University in Karwar, made this recommendation during a national conference on fisheries and aquaculture held in Panaji.
Protecting Breeding Cycles
Dr Haragi explained that mackerel and sardines rank among the most heavily fished species in the region. Both species enter their breeding season starting in April. During this critical period, the fish carry fully matured eggs, making them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure.
"If we initiate a trial-based ban period targeting only mackerel and sardine fishing for one breeding season, we can see the impact," Dr Haragi stated. He believes this focused approach would provide valuable scientific data.
Specific Ban Period Suggested
Goa currently implements an annual fishing ban from June 1 to July 31. Dr Haragi's proposal extends this protection specifically for mackerel and sardines. He recommends a trial ban covering the months from April through July.
The professor clarified that this restriction would not apply to all marine fishing activities. Only the commercial harvesting of these two key species would be paused during the proposed period.
Addressing Stock Fluctuations
Dr Haragi noted that current population trends for sardines and mackerel show annual variations rather than clear long-term depletion. "A good year today does not guarantee similar yields tomorrow," he cautioned.
He pointed out that fishing efforts often exceed what scientists call the maximum sustainable yield. This overfishing leads to stock instability and threatens the long-term health of fish populations.
Multiple Benefits of Pilot Program
The proposed one-season pilot ban aims to achieve several important objectives:
- Provide scientific insight into how protected spawning periods affect overall stock levels
- Generate data to inform future fisheries policy decisions
- Support small-scale and traditional fishermen by ensuring long-term stock sustainability
Goa's Fish Production Trends
Recent data from the Union ministry of statistics and programme implementation reveals interesting patterns in Goa's fisheries. The state's fish production reached a peak of 140.3 tonnes in the 2022-23 period. This marked the highest output in eight years.
However, production declined to 135.7 tonnes in 2023-24. These figures come from the 'EnviStats India 2025: Environment Statistics' report, highlighting the importance of sustainable fishing practices for maintaining production levels.
Dr Haragi's recommendation represents a targeted approach to fisheries management. By focusing on specific vulnerable species during their breeding season, authorities could gather crucial data while protecting the reproductive capacity of these important fish stocks.
