Resolving the Complex India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute
Why in News?
The ongoing fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka has resurfaced in discussions. Sri Lankan leaders are urging strong actions against “illegal fishing” in Sri Lankan waters by Tamil Nadu fishermen, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. 
Introduction
The India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute, primarily involving Tamil Nadu fishermen and Sri Lankan Tamil fishers from the Northern Province, has persisted for years. At its core, the issue revolves around the practice of bottom trawling by Indian fishermen and the depletion of marine resources, which has triggered calls for stringent enforcement and diplomatic resolution.
Key Features
Sri Lanka’s Stand
- Brimal Rathnayake, Sri Lanka’s Transport and Highways Minister, emphasized the need for decisive action against illegal fishing.
- The Sri Lankan government, supported by leaders in India, has made clear that protecting the livelihoods of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen is a priority, given the economic crisis and the recovery from the civil war.
- In the past, Sri Lankan leaders, including former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, have taken a tough stance, legitimizing defensive actions against Indian fishermen trespassing Sri Lankan waters.
India’s Position
- Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, from districts like Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam, rely on fishing in contested waters due to limited resources along the Indian coastline.
- The Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, restricts fishing activities and imposes a 24-hour limitation on the Palk Bay crossing.
- Despite these constraints, bottom trawling continues, driven by dwindling fish stocks in Indian waters.
Bottom Trawling: The Core Issue
- Bottom trawling causes severe damage to marine ecosystems by harvesting all marine life, including non-target species and marine debris.
- This unsustainable practice has exacerbated tensions and is viewed as a major hurdle to resolving the dispute.
Specific Impacts or Effects
- Sri Lankan fishermen from the Northern Province, recovering from the civil war’s impact, depend on traditional fishing methods and are vulnerable to over-exploitation by bottom trawlers.
- Indian fishermen face reduced fish stocks, prompting them to fish in Sri Lankan waters, leading to repeated arrests and confiscation of their vessels.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Challenges
- Asymmetric economic conditions between Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen.
- Resistance from Indian fishermen to abandon bottom trawling due to its profitability.
- Diplomatic difficulties in facilitating sustained talks and cooperation between the two countries.
Steps Forward
- Encouraging Indian fishermen to switch to deep-sea fishing through government support.
- Promoting seaweed cultivation, open sea cage farming, and other sustainable practices.
- Implementing schemes like the ₹1,600-crore deep-sea fishing program and ₹20,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
- Facilitating consistent diplomatic dialogue; previous meetings took place in November 2016.
Conclusion
The fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka demands immediate attention and coordinated action. A permanent solution requires joint efforts to promote sustainable fishing, enforce regulations, and provide alternative livelihoods for affected fishermen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe are expected to engage in further talks to advance this issue.
Questions and Answers
1. What is the main cause of the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute?
Bottom trawling by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.
2. Which Sri Lankan leader recently called for decisive action?
Brimal Rathnayake.
3. Which areas in Tamil Nadu are most involved in this dispute?
Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal district of Puducherry.
4. What is bottom trawling, and why is it controversial?
It is a method of fishing that involves dragging nets across the sea floor, causing environmental damage and overfishing.
5. What law regulates fishing activities in Tamil Nadu?
The Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983.
6. When was the last major meeting between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen?
November 2016.
7. What alternative fishing methods are being proposed?
Deep-sea fishing and diversification into seaweed cultivation and open sea cage farming.
8. How much has the Indian government allocated for deep-sea fishing programs?
₹1,600 crore.
9. What is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’s budget?
₹20,050 crore.
10. What is the next major event concerning fishing in the region?
The two-month ban on fishing in the east coast of India, beginning mid-April.
