Goa, July 19 -- Traditional fishermen from Colva, Velsao, and Benaulim have raised fresh allegations of harassment and bias, claiming police were called on them by large trawler owners amid ongoing disputes over illegal fishing practices. They expressed frustration with the Fisheries Department, accusing it of siding with powerful mechanised trawler operators instead of protecting the interests of small-scale, traditional fishing communities.

At the centre of their protest is the continued use of bull trawling and LED light fishing by large mechanised vessels-both practices specifically banned by the High Court for their destructive impact on marine ecosystems and fish stocks. According to traditional fishermen, enforcement has been weak...