Digital Goa, July 9 – CM Pramod Sawant on Thursday announced that the Fisheries Department will issue identity cards to traditional Goan fishermen and fish vendors to protect local livelihoods and ensure good quality fish. Speaking at the National Fish Farmers Day 2026 programme, Sawant said only Goan residents who have been living in the state for at least 15 years and are engaged in the traditional fishing trade will be eligible for the cards. He asserted that those without the identity cards should not be allowed to sell fish either in markets or by going door-to-door in villages, and urged fishermen to remain vigilant on the issue. The Financial Assistance Scheme for Setting up Mud Crab Culture Units and the revised Financial Assistance Scheme for Fish Vendors was launched today. Sawant said fisheries societies could be provided subsidies of over 50 % for infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, insulated vehicles ,trawlers etc. He assured of strengthening the fisheries sector through modern infrastructure, better market access and new opportunities in aquaculture, while encouraging youth to view fisheries as a technology-driven sector with strong entrepreneurship and employment potential.
