Sustainable Fisheries in Goa: Best Practices for Effective Management

Abstract

In India, the fisheries sector provides roughly 220 billion, or 1.40 percent and 4.50 percent of the national GDP and agricultural GDP respectively. According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018” apparent per capita fish consumption in India lies between a ranges of 5 to 10 Kg. Over 5 million fishermen and fish growers are employed and earn a living in the field. Goa, located on the western coast of India, is blessed with an abundance of marine resources. Fishing has been a traditional occupation in Goa, and seafood is an integral part of the local cuisine. However, the rapid increase in population, tourism, and demand for seafood has put immense force on the marine resources leading to overfishing and depletion of fish stocks. The problems faced by the fisheries sector in Goa are multi-faceted. One of the major challenges is the lack of effective management and regulation of fishing activities. The absence of proper monitoring and control measures has led to the overexploitation of marine resources. This highlights the need for education and capacity-building programs for fishermen to promote sustainable fishing practices. The challenges faced by the fisheries sector in Goa require a multi-faceted approach that involves effective management, regulation, and community participation. Adopting sustainable fishing practices, fishery conservation and management measures, and using technology for monitoring fishing activities can ensure the long-term viability of marine resources.