Fish species diversity and its potential for angling fishing in Goa – an overview
Yasmin Modassir
Department of Zoology, Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, Panaji, Goa
ABSTRACT
Goa coast is endowed with rich fishery resources. The annual average of marine fish landings for the last five years is around 67 thousand tonnes, in which marine bivalves (clams, mussels, oysters) have their important contribution. Angling in Goa is one of the favourite recreational facilities for the people living in the city and tourists from around the world. Angling in Goa is certainly a joyous experience that will stay with the anglers for the rest of their life. Angling in Goa has always attracted a fair share of enthusiasts from across the world. For many parts in Goa angling or fishing adds up as their livelihood while some have it as their favourite hobby. It is a great opportunity among anglers to practise their favourite sport in the tropical surroundings of Goa. Goa is famous not only for sea angling but also for angling in its tidal rivers that are rich in a wide variety of fishes overall approximately 24 lakhs tourists visit in state of Goa of which 4.5 lakhs are foreigners. The charters bringing the foreign tourists range anywhere between from 450 and 600. Most of the foreign tourists enjoy the beautiful surroundings and weather conditions of Goa. Game fishery has been found to be very popular amongst the foreign tourists as it gives them much needed relaxation. Angling is a sport which kindles in one, the sense of worth and triumph when the angler catches the best fishes.