Maharashtra Government Launches Enforcement Cell to Combat Illegal Fishing and Enhance Maritime Safety
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Fisheries Department has created an enforcement cell to address unauthorized fishing boats, ensuring sustainable fishing and boosting maritime security. The initiative includes drone patrolling and collaboration with local authorities to protect the interests of the fishing community.
Key Takeaways
- Enforcement cell established to combat illegal fishing.
- Drone patrolling shows positive results.
- Collaboration with local authorities for effective monitoring.
- Strategies to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
- Continuous surveillance to enhance maritime security.
Mumbai, February 18 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Fisheries Department has established an enforcement cell aimed at taking decisive action against unauthorized fishing boats to promote sustainable fishing and enhance maritime security in the state's maritime regions, as confirmed by officials.
State Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane announced on Tuesday that the department's initiative to implement drone surveillance in coastal areas for maritime security is yielding positive outcomes.
The enforcement cell will be led by the Commissioner of Fisheries Department, with members including the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police from the seven coastal districts: Palghar, Thane, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, along with a Deputy Secretary of the Fisheries Department.
The Joint Commissioner of Fisheries (Marine) will serve as the Member Secretary.
Minister Rane stated that the enforcement cell will propose strategies to combat illegal fishing in the state's maritime regions, analyze the structure of the cell, evaluate its constitutional framework and funding provisions, assess the necessary resources and manpower to tackle illegal fishing, and provide recommendations to the government.
The cell will also enhance patrol operations in the state's maritime zones around the clock, enforce maritime regulations, take action against unauthorized vessels identified during patrols as per maritime law, seize boats, auction the fish caught onboard, and review images and videos captured by drones during patrols to gather intelligence on illegal boats.
“Migrant fishing vessels intrude into the state's maritime territories and engage in illegal fishing. This adversely impacts the livelihood of local traditional fishermen. The government is also rigorously combating LED fishing to safeguard the interests of the local fishing community. The enforcement cell will further bolster maritime security. It will gather information on the necessary equipment in coastal regions and ensure its accessibility,” the Minister elaborated.
He instructed all cell members to act with responsibility and cooperation.
Rane indicated that the operation of the enforcement cell will help maintain order in coastal security and fishing activities.
This initiative will facilitate the control of illegal boat movements and enforce strict measures, he added.
He underscored the importance of eliminating encroachments along the coast.
He requested the department to devise an action plan in this regard and ensure that all properties owned by the Fisheries Department are free from encroachment within the next three months.
