The Tamil National Alliance’s (TNA’s) Jaffna district parliamentarian, M. A. Sumanthiran said that the banning of bottom trawling was a “huge victory” for the local fishing community.
“Although the Amendment is limited in its scope to fishing and marine resources, the fact that the government took it up and heard the cry of the northern fishermen is an indication of its willingness to listen to such issues,” he added, speaking to The Hindu.
Sri Lanka banned the bottom-trawling practice of fishing in Sri Lankan waters, making violators liable for a fine of Rs. 50,000 as well as two years of imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Deccan Chronicle reported that Tamil Nadu fishermen had “stoutly opposed” ban on bottom-trawling.
President of the Rameswaram Fishermen’s Association, N. Devadoss, reportedly stated that the Central Government of India should immediately take up the issue with Sri Lanka to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen’s livelihood is not destroyed.
The bottom-trawling ban was implemented yesterday (06), following a parliamentary debate where an Amendment to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act was passed unanimously.
