The fisheries sector which plays a pivotal role in the social fabric and the economy has been in hot water for some time with many of the issues impeding its sustenance, remaining unresolved.
Despite the many challenges it had to undergo, the fisheries sector has been a lifeline for the fisher community for centuries.
However, poaching by neighbouring country vessels and bottom trawling, rising fuel prices, outdated fishing gear, poor safety measures and the lack of transparency in the proposed amendments to the current Fisheries Act have been strong headwinds threatening the survival of the sector. Human rights defender, Secretary General of the World Forum of Fisher People and the Convener of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement of Sri Lanka, Herman Kumara said the Fisheries Act enables foreign vessels to exploit our marine resources without any hindrance.
“We saw how much of our marine resources were exploited by foreign vessels encroaching our territorial waters over the years. How long can we turn a blind eye to the crime?” he said.
Unions for the welfare of the fisheries sector and the rights of fishermen allege that adjustments to the present Fisheries Act in its current form might pave the way for more privatisation of the sector.
President of the Jaffna District Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Unions Annalingam Annarasa said the Northern fisher community does not accept the present Fisheries Act as it facilitates the exploitation of the country’s marine resources by foreigners.
“The people in the North especially the fisherfolk have voiced concerns over the proposed amendments which are likely to continue the same old tactics of handing over our territorial waters to multi-national companies to fish,” Annarasa said.
The Jaffna District Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Unions have been protesting and launching hunger strikes demanding a lasting solution to the poaching issue from the authorities.
Hot on the heels of the issue the Sri Lanka Navy last week seized two Indian fishing boats and apprehended 14 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lankan waters during a special operation conducted in the sea area north of Mannar.
Fuel prices have also taken a toll on the sector which has been harping that what it needs is the oil price reductions to be granted to fishermen and not the relief given to big vessel owners.
“We are not asking funds from the Government. All we want is to give fishermen the fuel price reduction at the filling station,” said president of the All-Ceylon Fisherfolk Trade Unions, Aruna Roshantha Fernando.
When Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage visited the Mirissa Fisheries Harbour fishermen, who demanded a fair price for fuel called on the Minister to grant the price reduction that was promised.
The fishermen there said they were unable to carry out their livelihood due to the high price of fuel.
Attempts to contact the authorities of the Fisheries Ministry were unsuccessful.
The amendments to the Fisheries Act which received Cabinet approval are to be presented to Parliament.
Fisher communities across the country are concerned over the proposed new Fisheries legislation which has been drafted without taking into account their concerns and suggestions.
Over 20 cooperative societies from the North, South and Eastern Provinces have been holding meetings during the past year to discuss the proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act and the issues faced by the community.
Representatives from fishermen’s cooperative societies in Negombo, Matara, Chilaw, Puttalam, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa and Trincomalee attended the meetings.
