by Melani Manel Perera

Sri Lankan fishermen complain bottom trawling practiced in India threatens to destroy the ecosystem of the waters of Palk Bay, to the north of Sri Lanka,. NAFSO urges the Government to enforce the limits of territorial waters, stressing the continuing violation of agreements by the Indian vessels.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Threats to the survival of fishing communities in Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna (Northern province) by the Indian vessels, which systematically exceed the prescribed territorial limits and encroach in the Sri Lankan waters of Palk Bay. The Indian vessels, equipped with powerful engines practice bottom trawling, a system that damages the ecosystem by destroying coral reefs, seaweed, shrimp, fish and everything caught in nets.

In a report from the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) Herman Kumara, secretary general of the World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP), points out that already during the war between the two countries India hstarted to fish within the Sri Lankan boundaries, because  ithad long since run out of fish supplies in its own waters.

In June 2010 President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed a joint statement, laying down the limits of territorial waters. However, negotiations have not resulted in concrete solutions for Sri Lanka, denounces Emeliyanus Anthony Pillai, a fisherman from Vadamarachchi: "When we cross the boarder even by accident, Indian coast guards immediately arrest us and keep in the jail for months. Instead, the Indian fishing boats continue to get closer to our shores, but no legal action is taken against them. "

According to the report if something is not done quickly, there will be an overall depletion of resources, and the consequent destruction of the means of subsistence necessary for the life of the people.

• Sri
• Lanka
• India
• fisheries
• territorial
• waters
• fish
• stock
• trawlers