India must incentivise fishers to give up bottom trawling
- Despite diplomatic efforts, the persistent arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Palk Bay, coupled with mid-sea attacks by armed civilians, raise serious concerns.
Increasing Arrests and Detentions
- The detention of 23 fishermen and the seizure of two trawlers off Delft island bring the total arrests to 69 this year, compared to 240 in the entire previous year.
- Additionally, 34 fishermen have been released, but over 45 remain in custody, with concerns about the confiscation of expensive fishing equipment and vessels.
Destructive Bottom Trawling Accusations
- Sri Lankan northern province fishermen accuse Tamil Nadu fishermen of engaging in destructive bottom trawling, a practice banned by Sri Lanka since July 2017.
- Despite India's promises to address the issue through the Blue Revolution Scheme and end bottom trawling, the prohibited practice persists.
Challenges Faced by Indian Fishermen
- Fishermen also face challenges under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1983.
- Under it, mechanised fishing boats are permitted to fish only beyond three nautical miles from the coast.
- However, due to the proximity of the International Maritime Boundary Line, breaches occur.
Inconsistent Handling and Diplomatic Efforts
- Despite an agreement in 2016 to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries that would meet every three months, only five sittings have taken place, with the last one in 2022.
- The Indian Prime Minister's call to treat the issue as a "humanitarian concern" underscores the need for consistent efforts from both sides.
Call for Tangible and Targeted Action
- Tangible and targeted actions, including promoting deep-sea fishing, abandoning bottom trawling, and resolving the issue through mutual compassion and regular diplomatic talks is necessary.
- Failure to address these concerns would perpetuate the perilous conditions for Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay.
Prelims Takeaway
- Bottom Trawling
- Blue Revolution Scheme
- Map Based Questions