Stand firm against illegal fishing

Last week, the Sri Lanka navy handed over the remains of an Indian fisherman to their Indian counterparts at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The individual died while his boat was illegally fishing well within Sri Lankan territorial waters, near the island of Delft. The navy had detected a large cluster of illegal boats and in its attempts to apprehend them, one had collided with a naval vessel. The two other fishermen recused after the incident were also handed over to Indian authorities without legal proceedings.

The Indo-Lanka fisheries dispute, involving Tamil Nadu fishermen and the maritime boundaries shared with Sri Lanka, has remained a persistent issue that demands urgent resolution. The heart of the conflict lies in Tamil Nadu fishermen’s practice of bottom trawling. This method has wrought significant environmental destruction and led to the depletion of marine resources on both sides of the Palk Strait.

Bottom trawling, an indiscriminate and highly destructive fishing method, involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, causing irreversible damage to marine habitats and ecosystems. This practice has not only devastated the seabed but also led to the collapse of fish stocks, leaving local communities struggling with dwindling catches and economic hardship. The repercussions are not confined to Tamil Nadu alone; the ecological damage extends to Sri Lankan waters, threatening the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen and the sustainability of regional marine biodiversity.

The strict adherence to the maritime boundaries is a crucial step in managing this crisis. Both India and Sri Lanka have agreed on these boundaries, yet enforcement remains a challenge. Sri Lanka must take a firm stance in upholding the maritime boundary to prevent further encroachment and environmental degradation. Arresting those who violate the boundary, confiscating their boats, and imposing substantial fines are necessary measures to deter illegal fishing activities since all other amicable means of resolving the problem seem to have failed throughout the years.

While stringent enforcement is essential, it must be complemented by sustainable fishing practices and conservation efforts. Temporary moratoriums on fishing in overexploited areas could allow fish populations to recover, benefiting both nations in the long run. Joint efforts in marine conservation, such as the establishment of marine protected areas and the promotion of alternative, sustainable fishing methods, could pave the way for a more cooperative and productive relationship.

Sri Lanka should resist external pressures to ease enforcement of its maritime boundaries. Upholding these measures is not only about protecting national interests but also about preserving the marine ecosystem for future generations, including those in Tamil Nadu. By taking decisive action, Sri Lanka can lead by example, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable fishing.

The Indo-Lanka fisheries dispute is presented as a complex issue that requires a balanced approach, combining strict enforcement with sustainable practices. However, allowing scores of highly disruptive bottom trawling vessels to destroy the fisheries’ resources has caused near irreparable damage to the environment. Tamil Nadu is one of India’s fastest-growing States with an increasingly robust economy. It has long passed the time it should have provided alternate fishing methods to its coastal communities rather than bottom trawling introduced in the 1980s. In the absence of any tangible action from across the straits, Sri Lanka’s firm stance on this matter is a crucial step in ensuring that the region’s marine resources are preserved for generations to come.