Fish market raids to curb dynamite fishing 

By Shanika Sriyananda

The Department of Fisheries has commenced raids in all major fish markets to nab traders who sell fish caught using dynamite explosions – a practice that’s banned in Sri Lanka. 

Following instructions from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Department has expedited its raids, mainly to protect the marine ecosystem which has already seen some damage due to dynamite explosions carried out by fishermen.

“Using dynamite to catch fish is illegal, but we have seen a major trend of using this banned method in catching fish now. We have information that most fishermen are now using dynamite explosions. This will cause a significant damage to the country’s marine ecosystem,” Director General of the Department Lal Fernando told Daily FT. 

He said that they had busted a major racket of selling fish caught using dynamite at the Peliyagoda fish market. “Our officers will also raid the fish selling outlets following tip-offs from the public,” he said, adding that the officers intend to regularly raid the major fish markets in Negambo, Chilaw, Trincomalee and Peliyagoda.

Under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Act No. 2 of 1996, those who engage in catching fish using dynamite or selling fish caught using dynamite will be fined Rs. 100,000 or face a five-year imprisonment, while all the fishing gear including their boats will be confiscated.

The fishermen who possess fish harvested using dynamite will be fined Rs. 50,000. Fernando said the Department has taken legal action against over 500 fishermen and traders this year.

He said that when dynamite is exploded, a large amount of dead fish species float and this makes it easy for fishermen to get a large catch.

“It is difficult to identify fish harvested using dynamite, but cooked fish will not have a fresh taste. The fish cannot be stored for more than two days as they rot. Raw fish will have blood patches as their internal organs are damaged. The public can complain to the Department if they come across fish markets or outlets that sell fish with blood patches,” he said.