Imposition of a heavy fine on those who indulge in illegal fishing is a European Union (EU) requirement, and therefore, there is no way Sri Lanka can exempt Tamil Nadu fishermen from being fined heavily for poaching in Sri Lankan waters and using banned methods of fishing, the Secretary to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Fishing, W.M.M.R.  Adhikari said.

The high-ranking official said that a new tough law to regulate Sri Lankan and foreign fishing is in parliament and that it will be debated soon.

Adikari said that the measure has a ring of urgency about it because the European Union had imposed a ban on Sri Lankan fishermen for indulging in illegal fishing - a ban which was lifted recently after Sri Lanka promised to take steps to curb such fishing.

The new law would impose heavy fines on native and foreign fishermen who indulge in illegal fishing, she said.     

The Sri Lankan Minister of Fisheries, Mahinda Amaraweera, had stated that Sri Lanka would impose a fine of LKR 150 million ( INR 7 crore) on Indian fishermen who fish in Sri Lankan waters and who also use trawlers which destroy marine resources.

Asked if a fine as high as LKR 150 million is being seriously considered, Adhikari said that the fine amount is being discussed but it will be heavy enough to be a deterrent.

-NIE
-Agencies