Northern fishers livelihood threatened :

Indian fishermen’s poaching hits Lankan economy

The illegal and destructive fishing methods employed by South Indian fishermen in the North had adversely affected the livelihood of a large number of fishermen in the area. The Northern fishermen are unable to compete with their South Indian counterparts as they use giant trawlers.

The illegal and destructive fishing methods employed by South Indian fishermen in the North had adversely affected the livelihood of a large number of fishermen in the area. The Northern fishermen are unable to compete with their South Indian counterparts as they use giant trawlers.

The loss to the economy due to poaching by South Indian fishermen is colossal, Sri Lanka Seafood Exporters Association President Roshan Fernando said.

He said the loss caused by South Indian trawlers had been estimated to be over US$750 million annually.

Fernando was speaking after handing over the report to Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne at his Ministry recently.

He said that the South Indian trawlers fish in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and the Bay of Bengal daily and the Association roundly condemned such activities of the South Indian fishermen.

South Indian trawlers crossing into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters contravene the bilateral Maritime Agreement signed between Sri Lanka and India in 1974, he said.

The bottom trawls used by south Indian fishermen destroyed Sri Lanka’s marine resources causing much damage to the marine ecosystem. Bottom trawling is an extremely destructive method of fishing.

Fernando said this system has been banned in Sri Lanka and expressed his deep gratitude to Minister Dr. Senaratne on behalf of the Association.