Digital Goa, November 20 – In a move to curb illegal fishing activities and improve surveillance along Goa’s coastline with the help of local fishermen, the Fisheries Dept will engage hired fishing canoes at five key coastal points to strengthen near-shore patrolling. The initiative aims to ensure quicker interception of offending vessels by positioning boats closer to locations where violations are frequently reported. According to officials, the department will station canoes at Arambol (Pernem), Calangute (Bardez), Benaulim (Salcete), Baina (Mormugao) and Talpona (Canacona) as static patrolling units. The fishing canoes will be hired from fishermen on an hourly basis. These locally operated canoes—measuring 30 to 38 feet and powered by 10 HP motors—will be equipped with lifesaving gear, firefighting tools and other mandatory safety equipment. Each canoe will operate with a minimum two-member crew.
