Dynamite fishing destroys aquatic life

by Nilma DOLE

Various reports of dynamite fishing have been reported from Trincomalee and explosions are heard almost daily. Even after peace was restored fishermen still need to register their fishing vessels and obtain fishing permits from the Sri Lanka Navy, a measure to curb dynamite fishing. However, many turn a deaf ear to the explosions in Trincomalee, a thriving tourist destination.

General Manager of the Marine Environmental Protection Authority Admiral Samaratunga told the Sunday Observer "Dynamite fishing is illegal as one or two explosives (100g) could kill fish. Dynamite fishing not only destroys the marine life but also the eggs and young fish and this is not the proper practice to fish. "Dynamite fishing destroys aquatic life including some of the endemic and endangered species and exotic coral and rare fish that breed in our waters." The Sri Lanka Navy has brought wrong-doers to book but not all are caught and punished. "It isn't easy bringing dynamite fishermen to book because you have to get the District Medical Officer to intervene to make the complaint and there should be evidence that they were the wrong-doers which is a difficult task, he said.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996 states that fishing equipment with destructive or adverse affects such as dynamite, bottom trawling, cyanide fishing and fish toxins are prohibited.

Despite the awareness and educational programs conducted by various authorities on nature conservation, more than dynamite fishing, domestic travellers go on trips to Trincomalee and also pollute the beach. "We have to protect the limited nature resources before it's too late," said Admiral Samaratunga.