Sri Lankan Navy Detains 30 Indian Fishermen and Seizes Four Trawlers
The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 30 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their four trawlers, alleging they were poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters. The fishermen, who had set out from Rameswaram, were apprehended in the Palk Bay. Fishermen's associations have strongly condemned the recurring incidents and urged the Indian central government to intervene immediately to secure the release of the fishermen and their boats. The issue remains a persistent source of diplomatic friction between the two nations.
Unpacked:
Many Indian fishermen claim traditional fishing rights in waters now considered Sri Lankan territory. Overfishing and depletion of stocks on the Indian side, combined with economic pressures, often compel them to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), sometimes unintentionally due to engine failures or weather changes.
The dispute dates to colonial times and intensified after the 1974 and 1976 maritime boundary agreements, which demarcated the waters and assigned Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka. While some traditional rights were recognized, access for Indian fishermen became restricted, leading to recurring tensions.
Indian fishermen, especially from Tamil Nadu, often use mechanized trawlers and bottom trawling, which is ecologically destructive and yields large catches. Sri Lankan fishermen mostly use traditional methods. Sri Lanka opposes trawling due to its impact on marine life and local livelihoods.
The Indian government typically seeks diplomatic intervention for the release of detained fishermen, while Sri Lanka sometimes releases fishermen but retains trawlers as a deterrent. Both sides have discussed joint working groups, alternative livelihoods, and sustainable fishing agreements, but a lasting solution remains elusive.