Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Jul 10: The Goa government has announced a mandatory identity card system for traditional Goan fishermen and fish vendors in a bid to reserve the State's traditional fish trade for locals and curb unauthorised roadside fish sales.

Speaking at the National Fish Farmers Day 2026 celebrations on Thursday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said only Goan residents who have lived in the State for at least 15 years and are engaged in traditional fishing would be eligible for the identity cards.

The move comes amid concerns among local fishing communities over the increasing participation of non-Goans in the retail fish trade.

Sawant said only authorised identity card holders would be allowed to sell fish through designated markets and would not be permitted to sell fish door-to-door or outside authorised market premises.

Issuing a stern warning, the Chief Minister said he had directed the police to detain those selling fish along roadsides.

"Those selling fish on roadsides are not Goans and are not traditional fishermen of the State. Goans should also avoid roadside fish sales and conduct their business through authorised fish markets," he said.

Reiterating the government's commitment to protecting local livelihoods, Sawant said the fishing trade should remain in the hands of Goans and would not be allowed to be taken over by outsiders.

He observed that while fishing continues to be one of the few businesses largely controlled by Goans, the situation could change if timely measures are not taken.

The Chief Minister also announced that the government plans to issue fish farmer certificates to members of the Kharvi community to formally recognise traditional fishing families and extend institutional support.

On the occasion, the government launched a financial assistance scheme for setting up mud crab culture units and revised its assistance scheme for fish vendors to promote sustainable aquaculture and strengthen livelihoods.

Under the three-year scheme, financial assistance will be provided for Pen Culture and Vertical Box Crab Culture units, with subsidies of up to Rs 4 lakh for general category beneficiaries and up to Rs 4.8 lakh for women and SC/ST beneficiaries, along with additional support for input costs.

The scheme is open to fish farmers, traditional fishermen, individuals, registered self-help groups and cooperative societies.

Sawant said fisheries societies would also be eligible for subsidies exceeding 50 per cent for infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, insulated vehicles and trawlers.

He added that the government is committed to modernising the fisheries sector by improving infrastructure, expanding market access and creating new opportunities in aquaculture while encouraging youth to explore fisheries as a technology-driven industry with strong employment potential.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to maintain hygiene standards in fish markets, saying clean and well-maintained markets are essential to enhancing consumer confidence and preserving the reputation of Goa's fishing industry.