Fish traders, boat owners irked over closure of jetties

The department of fisheries on Wednesday suddenly sealed three fishing jetties at Cutbona, Vasco and Malim.

The fisheries officials put up a notice asking the fish traders and boat owners to register with the department by filing applications and paying registration fees along with the security deposit.

Today, the three jetties were sealed in the presence of police much to shock of the fish traders. Not happy with the move, fish traders and boat owners have now decided to meet Minister for Fisheries on October 25 to discuss and find an amicable solution.

Meanwhile, the representatives of various fish trader associations rushed to the fisheries department office in Panjim today afternoon and met officials of the department.

Jose Philip D’Souza, All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association head from Vasco jetty told media that they met the fisheries officials and had a one-hour-long discussion on the sealing of the jetties. He further said that they will meet the Minister for Fisheries on October 25.

Harshad Dhond, another representative of fish traders from Malim jetty expressed shock over the sudden sealing of the jetties without taking fish traders into confidence. He said that they are hopeful of an amicable solution to this issue.