Tragic consequences of non-action against Indian illegal fishing

The Indian Government made a formal protest against Sri Lanka alleging that the navy has fired on Indian fishermen operating in the northern seas. The incident involved two Indian fishermen. It is reported that the Indian Foreign Ministry summoned Sri Lanka’s acting High Commissioner to lodge a protest against the incident. In August last year, two Indian fishermen were killed when their boat, illegally fishing well within Sri Lankan territorial waters, collided with a naval vessel. The two other fishermen recused after the incident and were later 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 and consistently entering Sri Lankan territorial waters.

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. The best way to prevent tragic events such as the one reported last week is to ensure that the maritime border is not crossed illegally.

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 Indian pressure to ease enforcement of its maritime boundaries, nor should it give in to licencing regimes that are unsustainable and unenforceable. 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. 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.