Resumed conflict a major blow to NE fisherfolk

by Elmo Leonard

The resumed conflict between the Tamil Tigers and Government forces will pose another major blow to the poor fisherfolk of the north and east, already reeling under the Asian tsunami of December 2004.

The tsunami took with it life, the future generation, mode of livelihood and homes of these humble folk, who after twenty years of civil conflict were clawing their way back into fishing. Fishing came to a virtual halt during the 20-year conflict as the LTTE targeted Muslim and Sinhalese fishing villages, destroyed their boats, hacked down families and burned all, left on the eastern coast.

For the Tamil fishers it was limited fishing, within a specified time and distance from the shore, to prevent the LTTE in the guise of fishermen striking at key naval targets. Tamil fishermen migrated in large numbers and came back with the peace process, to be hit by the tsunami.

During this time the multi-million dollar wild caught shrimp fishery in the prawn triangle of Jaffna, Mannar and Mullaitivu came to a halt and the fish processing plants for exports in these areas closed down and thousands lost their livelihood.

Two-thirds of Colombo's fish market was supplied by the northern catch.

A publication of April 2006, by the local Fisheries Ministry and the FAO underscores the importance of the northern fisheries.

More than half of the national fishery resources of the country are found in the conflict affected coastal areas of the north and east, where the tsunami hit as the peace settlement was just starting to take hold, it said.

The publication, 'Strategy and program for post-tsunami reconstruction and development of the marine fisheries sector', quotes the most recent data.

It said that the cost of boat and gear repair and replacement is estimated at $57 million. Also that the fish marketing network of the island suffered severe losses. The larger urban fish markets and many retail outlets sustained heavy losses and in many cases were completely destroyed.

Extensive damage has also been caused to around 200 landing sites, 10 fishery harbours and 37 anchorages as well as the associated fish handling facilities, including ice plants, cold stores and fishery cooperative buildings and vehicles.

Besides damage to coastal habitats, coral reef and mangroves and many other high economic value, natural and man-made resources were hit.

FAO fisheries consultant, Leslie Joseph who wrote part of the book pointed out that the country's foreign exchange earnings from fish exports based on near-shore resources will be considerably affected as a result of reduced availability of stocks as ornamental fish, lobster, grouper, chank and beach de mer besides, the loss of fish production in 2005 due to the disaster could be as high as 46 percent compared to the 2004 output.

The loss of production, if not offset by reduced exports and/or increased imports would cause a drop in the per capita consumption of fish from 20.7 kilogram in 2004 to 14.7 in 2005.

Ironically, the strategy and program for the reconstruction and development of the fisheries sector aims at building back better, while managing coastal resources.

FAO chief technical officer, Peter Lewwelling, pointed to the short term rehabilitation estimates for 2006 amounting to Rs 4,740 million (currently Rs. 103 to a US dollar) and the 2005 figure, Rs. 7,843 million.

The medium to long term reconstruction programs outlined beginning 2007, running to 2009, would cost Rs 8.89 billion and cost estimates to be updated as the program follows.

The program activity includes strengthening communities and their productive activities Rs 415 million.

Reconstruction and modernisation of fishery harbours and anchorages Rs 3,697 million. Sustainable coastal area management Rs 2,560 million. Sustainable fisheries management, continued from short-term program, Rs 257 million.

Capacity building in support of planning and implementation continued from the short term program, Rs. 554 million.