The Sri Lankan Fisheries Ministry has proposed the establishment of a civilian voluntary force named “Sea Guards” in a bid to address the persistent issue of illegal bottom trawling by Indian fishermen in Northern territorial waters. This initiative aims to enhance monitoring efforts and support the Navy’s endeavors to deter Indian fishermen from encroaching upon Sri Lankan waters.

Monitoring and Assisting Navy Initiatives

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda outlined the objectives of the proposed Sea Guards, emphasizing their role in monitoring and assisting the Navy’s ongoing efforts to prevent Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan waters for illegal bottom trawling activities. The Ministry has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking approval for this initiative.

Members of the local fisherfolk community will be enlisted into the voluntary force through Fishermen Unions based in the Northern region. This recruitment strategy aims to involve those directly affected by the incursions of Indian trawlers into Sri Lankan territorial waters.

Impact on Fishing Community Livelihood

The frequent and extensive entry of Indian trawlers into Sri Lankan waters has severely impacted the livelihoods of local fishermen. With Indian trawlers reportedly entering the Northern waters almost daily, the fishing activities of local fishermen are consistently hindered, leading to significant economic losses for the fishing community.

According to the Cabinet memorandum, an alarming number of Indian bottom trawlers, estimated to be at least 500 daily, engage in illegal fishing practices within Sri Lankan territorial waters. These trawlers, equipped with mechanized fishing gear, not only catch substantial quantities of shrimp and fish but also disrupt marine ecosystems by sweeping juveniles, which are often discarded at the port of landing.

Enforcement Efforts

Fifteen Indian fishermen were apprehended near Karainagar, Jaffna, along with a trawler for engaging in bottom trawling activities. This year alone, a total of sixteen Indian poaching trawlers and 125 fishermen have been taken into custody and subjected to legal proceedings by the Navy.