COLOMBO: In a bid to safeguard its marine resources, Sri Lanka has significantly intensified naval patrols along its international maritime borders to prevent illegal bottom trawling by Indian fishermen. The move comes amid growing concerns over the environmental and economic impact of this destructive fishing practice on Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.
Bottom trawling, a method that involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, has been widely criticized for damaging marine ecosystems and depleting fish stocks. Sri Lankan authorities have reported an increase in unauthorized incursions by Indian fishermen into their waters, leading to frequent arrests and diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
“We have heightened patrolling efforts and are making more arrests to deter illegal fishing activities,” said Nalinda Jayathissa, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Information and government spokesperson. The Sri Lankan Navy has deployed additional vessels and advanced surveillance systems to monitor and secure its maritime boundaries effectively.
Fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka often face arrests for unintentionally crossing into each other’s waters due to the proximity of the maritime borders. However, the recent crackdown focuses specifically on curbing bottom trawling, which has been banned in Sri Lanka since 2017 due to its harmful environmental impact.
The Sri Lankan government has also called for stronger bilateral cooperation with India to address the issue. Indian authorities have been urged to educate their fishermen about sustainable fishing practices and the legal consequences of trespassing into Sri Lankan waters.
This latest development underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to protecting its marine biodiversity while fostering regional cooperation to resolve longstanding fishing disputes.
Source: Web Team, C6N
