Monday, 3 February 2014 00:00
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If ever there was a time for the Sri Lankan Government to stand by their fishermen, then this would be that opportunity. Despite the round of talks earlier this month, Indian fishermen continue to cross into Sri Lankan waters and are arrested, signalling the need for more diplomatic exchanges as well as a necessity to push for a sustainable solution.
Navy records show that 38 fishermen and six boats have been detained since the talks, with predications for many more. In the first two weeks of January, both sides exchanged over 400 fishermen, giving a peek into how bad things can get even when a serious crisis is averted through talks.
Yet so far, these talks seem largely cosmetic, with neither party being able to present a mode of operation accepted by the other. Sri Lanka, in particular, wants their Indian counterparts to stop using prohibited fishing methods that destroy the seabed along with the future of the fishing industry. Pragmatic as these ideas are, it will take years to stamp illegal fishing methods out, even with the active participation of the two governments.
According to Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, the industry loses an estimated US$ 78.9 million worth of fish from illegal poaching by South India. The Government has targeted $ 500 million in revenue for 2013, but has had to keep its expectation low due to the significant losses from poaching.
Sri Lankan studies estimate that an average of 1,056 Indian boats cross into Sri Lankan waters illegally, which means $ 19.72 million is lost from their shrimp catch alone. In total, Indian fishermen poach at least 65 million kilograms of fish each year. Satellite images suggest that the poaching is done in a highly-organised manner as the bulk of the boats operate in the night and scramble across the international maritime boundary line by four in the morning. All in all, Senaratne has told reporters that he will present a staggering figure of Rs.95 billion to his Indian counterparts as damages from poaching.
Colombo has previously defended its soft-peddling of the issue by pointing out that if reports are made to international bodies, most of South India’s fishing industry will be shut down and this could not be allowed because of the close relationship enjoyed by the two countries. Yet, of late, things seem to have gotten out of hand. As many as 400 fish processing plants subsist on this catch and hints have been made by the Minister that strong political backing is being given by the Tamil Nadu Government.
Ironically, the illegal fishing is affecting northern fishermen the most, who have complained that the Indians use banned fishing methods, destroying coral beds and hacking the seabed beyond repair. Even though the Tamil Nadu Government identifies strongly with the northern population and is often vocal about their political rights, it stumbles when it comes to protecting their economy and livelihoods.
The Joint Working Group of the two countries will meet this week for deliberations, followed by another discussion between the fishermen associations. Getting the fishermen to participate proactively and addressing their grievances is perhaps the best part of this process but the Sri Lankan Government will have to remain strongly supportive if the Sri Lankan fishermen are to get a fair deal.
