A recently published study on coastal development in Goa reveals that the push for the Blue Economy is reshaping the state’s coastline in ways that are deeply affecting fishing communities and fragile marine ecosystems.
Goa’s coastline is undergoing rapid change. New ports expanded shipping routes, luxury tourism projects, and inland waterways are transforming how the sea and rivers are used. These changes are part of what policymakers describe as the Blue Economy, a model that treats oceans and coastal areas as engines of economic growth.
However, this push for development is raising serious questions about its impact on coastal ecosystems and fishing communities. The study shows growing tensions between economic expansion, environmental protection, and livelihood security.
Goa’s Coastal Economy and Fishing-Dependent Population
Goa has a 104-kilometre coastline and 41 fishing villages, with over 12,600 people directly dependent on marine fishing and many more engaged in allied activities such as fish processing, vending, net making, and boat repair. Traditional fishing communities, including the Ramponkars, rely on shore-based and small-boat fishing methods that are closely tied to seasonal cycles and coastal ecosystems.
These livelihoods depend on open access to beaches, estuaries, and near-shore waters, which have historically functioned as shared commons managed through community norms.
Port Expansion and the Sagarmala Projects
A major driver of coastal transformation in Goa is the expansion of Mormugao Port under the Sagarmala programme. The state has over 30 Sagarmala-linked projects valued at ₹10,294 crore, including coal berths, liquid cargo terminals, and port-linked infrastructure.
Goa is increasingly being used as a coal transit hub for neighbouring states. Coal handling, dredging, and increased shipping traffic have resulted in coal dust pollution, declining fish catch, damage to fishing nets, and health problems reported by local residents. Fishers also report reduced access to traditional fishing zones due to security restrictions around port areas.
Tourism Growth and Loss of Beach Access
Tourism is promoted as a key Blue Economy sector through policies such as the Goa Tourism Policy 2020, which encourages cruise tourism, marinas, and high-end coastal infrastructure. While tourism generates revenue, it has also led to the privatisation of beaches and the exclusion of fishing communities.
Traditional beach activities such as boat parking, net drying, and fish vending are increasingly restricted. Small, community-run shacks face stricter regulations, while large tourism operators gain preferential access. Women fish vendors and processors are particularly affected, as their work depends on proximity to the shore and public beach access.
Inland Waterways and River Ecosystem Damage
Six rivers in Goa have been declared National Waterways, promoting barge traffic for cargo transport. This has raised concerns about dredging and river engineering, which disturb fish breeding grounds and estuarine ecosystems.
Fishing communities dependent on rivers such as the Mandovi and Zuari report declining fish availability and contamination from barge traffic, ship repair activities, and industrial discharge. These rivers are ecologically sensitive, and large-scale infrastructure increases the risk of long-term environmental damage.
Evictions, Displacement, and Housing Insecurity
Coastal infrastructure projects have also led to displacement. In villages such as Katem Baina and Kharewado, fisher households have faced demolition and eviction linked to port expansion. In some cases, entire settlements have been excluded from official planning maps, leaving residents without legal recognition.
Displacement disrupts livelihoods, social networks, cultural practices, and community support systems. Rehabilitation policies rarely account for the spatial and occupational needs of fishing communities.
Environmental Degradation and Public Health Risks
Coastal development has resulted in coastal erosion, mangrove destruction, pollution from coal and plastics, and damage to sand dunes. Dredging alters sediment movement, weakening natural coastal protection and increasing vulnerability to storms and sea-level rise.
Pollution also enters the food chain. Fishers’ report concerns about fish contamination, which affects food safety and public health beyond coastal communities.
Unequal Outcomes of Coastal Development
Current Blue Economy planning in Goa follows a top-down model, with limited community participation. Economic benefits largely accrue to corporate actors, port operators, and large tourism interests, while fishing communities bear the social and ecological costs.
Increased maritime security further restricts access to coastal commons, reducing community control over traditional spaces.
Rethinking Coastal Development
The study calls for recognising collective fishing rights, strengthening environmental impact assessments, and ensuring meaningful community consent. Sustainable coastal development must prioritise livelihood security, ecological protection, and social justice, rather than treating the coastline as a zone for extraction and profit.
Without this shift, Goa risks losing both its fishing communities and the ecosystems that support them.
Clear Cut Health Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Jan 13, 2026 09:31 IST
Written By: Samiksha Shambharkar
