📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ria Colva
Agriculture
Goa fishers call for reversal of CRZ relaxations and tighter coastal safeguards
✍️ The Goan
🗓 18 Oct 2026, 03:36 PM
👁 11
Fisherfolk in Goa have demanded that recent relaxations to Coastal Regulation Zone rules be rolled back and that stronger environmental safeguards be introduced.
A coalition of fishing communities in Goa has formally urged the state government to rescind the latest relaxations granted to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) framework. The groups argue that the eased norms could open the coastline to unchecked development, jeopardising marine habitats that are vital for their livelihood.
The fishermen contend that stronger safeguards are essential to prevent coastal erosion, protect breeding grounds and ensure sustainable fish stocks. They have called for stricter monitoring of construction activities and rigorous enforcement of existing environmental guidelines.
The demand comes at a time when several coastal districts in Goa have reported a decline in fish catches, which the fisherfolk attribute to habitat degradation linked to recent development projects. State officials have not yet issued a response to the petition, and the issue is expected to feature in upcoming policy discussions on coastal management.
The fishermen contend that stronger safeguards are essential to prevent coastal erosion, protect breeding grounds and ensure sustainable fish stocks. They have called for stricter monitoring of construction activities and rigorous enforcement of existing environmental guidelines.
The demand comes at a time when several coastal districts in Goa have reported a decline in fish catches, which the fisherfolk attribute to habitat degradation linked to recent development projects. State officials have not yet issued a response to the petition, and the issue is expected to feature in upcoming policy discussions on coastal management.