Unseasonal Rains Devastate Goa’s Fishing Sector, Fishermen Demand Immediate Relief

For nearly two weeks in late October, unseasonal rains and rough sea conditions brought Goa’s fishing sector to a standstill. Trawlers and canoes remained anchored across major jetties including Chapora, Vasco and Cutbona, leaving fishermen and labour workers without income. The unexpected disruption has severely impacted the coastal economy and raised concerns over the lack of government intervention.

Boats Docked, Income Stopped, Wages Continued

According to the All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (AGFBOA), the rain stopped all fishing activity for 10 to 12 days. Despite no catch, boat owners were still responsible for crew wages and vessel maintenance. This has led to significant financial losses, especially for small and medium boat operators who depend on daily operations.

Small-Scale Fishermen Hit Hardest

Members of the Chapora Boat Owners Fisheries Cooperative Society reported that the rough seas were too dangerous for small boats to venture out. Without daily catch, fishermen and labourers had no alternative income. Many fear this setback will hurt their prospects for the rest of the season.

No Government Relief, Pending Subsidies

Fishermen groups expressed disappointment over the absence of compensation. While swift financial support was announced for farmers affected by the same rains, no such relief has been offered to the fishing sector. Boat owners also stated that nearly ₹30 crore in subsidy reimbursements are pending with the government, despite several meetings with state officials.

Demand for a Dedicated Disaster Relief Mechanism

Fishing associations are now urging the government to implement a structured disaster relief system similar to agriculture. They argue that erratic weather patterns linked to climate change will only make such disruptions more frequent. A secure financial mechanism, they say, is essential to protect workers whose livelihood depends entirely on the sea.

Climate Change Brings a Warning

With unpredictable weather events increasing, fishermen fear that such interruptions could become routine. Without policy support, coastal communities may face repeated financial strain. The fishing sector a crucial part of Goa’s coastal economy is now demanding recognition, protection and timely government action.