What are the causes for the drop in fish catch off Goa coast this season? Is it because of rough weather or over fishing or both or some other factors? Well, no one knows precisely what has caused the fish catch going down quite drastically. "A scientific study needs to be conducted to identify the reasons', Fisheries Director S C Verenkar said. The decline in catch of fish has not only disturbed the trawler operators many of whom had to return empty handed until April end, but also the government authorities. The issue was deliberated by government agencies connected to fisheries. Confirming this, Verenkar told Herald "We discussed the issue at length during recently held meeting. Indeed, research has been done to know why there is drop in the fish catch.' The meeting was attended by members of the fisheries survey of India and central marine research institute. The director further said that drop in the catch has been observed only this season. There is more than 10 per cent drop in the fish catch this season. However, trawler owners and fish traders had complained that weather conditions were volatile throughout the season and they could not go into the sea regularly. Anthony D'Souza, a trawler owner operating from Malim jetty said, "Season was pretty bad and it is only this month that things are a little better when at the end of the season.' D'Souza said, it is not just this year alone but for the last couple of years, fish catch has been on decline. But the director of fisheries department says, last year, a massive catch of 96000 ton was recorded.