PANJIM, AUG 19 - Fisheries Minister Joaquim Alemao today told the Goa assembly that the Government intends to prepone the fishing ban period by two weeks on the grounds that second half of July yields a good catch of fish. Replying to a discussion on demands for grants to fisheries, Alemao said the government would approach the Supreme Court to amend the fish ban period. Instead of the present 16th June to 31st July, he said, it is proposed to be from 1st June to 15th July. He said a study of the last 7-8 years and found that fish yield has reduced after 1st August. He said eight years ago the ban period was ending on July 15 and there used to abundant fish catch. The period was extended up to 31st July following a court order, he added. So, we would like to prepone the ban period by two weeks and would seek the approval of the Supreme court, he told the House seeking support from the members. He said canoes with outboard motors are engaged in perce nine fishing during the ban period. They even export huge quantities of solar prawns, he stated. However, when the season begins on 1st August, the catch is poor and it has dwindled this year, he added. Calling them illegal, he said the motor-operated canoes are of Goans who sublease them to outsiders like Bengalis. Over the last 8-10 years, fish production has gone down and in the last one year, the drop was of 5 %, he said. Alemao said subsidy allocation to traditional fishermen would be increased from Rs 12000 to Rs 18000. He also announced various schemes the government proposes to come out with for fishermen. Meanwhile, Cooperation Minister Ravi Naik said the chief minister has already assured that compensation would be paid to those whose cattle died recently, mainly from Mardol area.