Goa, July 15 -- The Boat Owners Association has raised serious concerns about ongoing violations of the 61-day fishing ban, warning that unchecked abuse of exemptions is undermining conservation efforts. The ban, meant to protect marine ecosystems during the spawning season, prohibits fishing with motorized vessels. However, it permits traditional fishermen to use non-motorized canoes - a clause that, according to the Association, is being routinely misused.

They allege that many fishermen are falsely operating motorized boats under the guise of traditional methods, bypassing the law and exploiting the system. This mirrors similar issues abroad - notably in Ghana, where recent exemptions for artisanal fishers have sparked backlash over w...