A high-level meeting to review strategies for curbing illegal fishing and poaching activities within Sri Lanka’s waters has focused on preventive measures, law enforcement actions, and inter-agency cooperation to effectively counter these emerging challenges.

The meeting, co-chaired by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, and the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), was held at the Parliament premises recently (11). 

Several key issues, including poaching by local and foreign fishing vessels in local waters, expediting court cases related to arrested fishing boats, the use of unauthorized radio frequencies, and non-fishing activities such as smuggling carried out under the guise of fishing, were taken up for deliberation at the meeting. 

Particular attention was given to the practice of local fishing vessels deliberately disabling their Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to engage in unlawful fishing and illicit activities within prohibited areas.

Participants highlighted the urgent need to strengthen maritime law enforcement, enhance inter-agency coordination, and implement technological solutions to ensure real-time monitoring of fishing vessels. 

The importance of enforcing strict legal actions against violators to protect national fisheries resources and the livelihoods of legitimate fishermen was also underscored.

This session was held as a continuation of the previous high-level meeting on the same subject, reaffirming the government’s sustained commitment to eradicating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and illicit activities in Sri Lankan waters. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology has warned the Naval and fishing communities to remain vigilant of strong winds and rough seas in the sea areas around Sri Lanka today. 

Accordingly, showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle.

Winds will be Westerly to South-westerly and wind speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo Galle, and Hambantota. Wind speed can increase up to 45-50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Vakarai via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota will be rough or very rough at times. The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Vakarai via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee may be fairly rough at times.

The wave height, about 2.5 – 3.0 m, may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Therefore, there is a possibility that nearshore sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota may experience surges due to sea waves. (Newswire)

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The Low-Pressure area, which persists over the Southeast Bay of Bengal, is likely to move West- Northwestwards and reach over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lanka – Tamil Nadu coasts tomorrow.

Naval and fishing communities, engaging activities over the South-west Bay of Bengal are requested to be vigilant of rough seas.

As such, showers will occur at times in the sea areas extending from Pottuvil to Puttalam via Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kankasanthurai and Mannar today.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle during the evening or night. 

Winds will be North-easterly in direction in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai. 

The sea areas extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai will be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. (Newswire)

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Plans have been announced to launch a new multi-day fishing trawler equipped with modern technology and advanced operational techniques to enhance the fishing industry.

State Minister of Fisheries, Piyal Nishantha de Silva said a committee comprising experts is actively planning the necessary initiatives to introduce a modern multi-day fishing trawler equipped with advanced technology and operational methods tailored for the fishing industry. 

Upon completion of the planning phase, production of the new fishing trawler will commence. The primary objective is to ensure a sustainable fishing industry through effective management of fishing resources and inputs, he said. 

The State Minister further said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the Attorney General, to facilitate the swift repatriation of the fishermen aboard the “Lorenzo Putha-4” fishing vessel back to Sri Lanka.

Discussions have taken place between the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Sri Lanka Navy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the situation involving the “Lorenzo Putha-4” vessel. The legal procedures are being conducted in accordance with the laws of Seychelles. 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Attorney General, to expedite the legal proceedings in Seychelles and facilitate the repatriation of the fishermen to Sri Lanka at the earliest opportunity, he said. 

State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva made these remarks while addressing a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre on Wednesday (Mar 13).

The full statement of State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva said;

Efforts have been undertaken to safeguard the quality of fish products as part of the ongoing development of the fishing industry. However, challenges have arisen due to the rising fuel costs and the increased prices of fishing equipment, impacting the income of the fishing community. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that measures are being implemented to mitigate these challenges and improve the situation for the fishing community.

Additionally, the World Food Organization (WFO) has initiated several pilot projects. Among these initiatives is the development of a new trawler under the Ocean Freight Replenishment Program (OFRP), designed in collaboration with the World Food Organization to align with changing times and incorporate climate change and alternative technologies.

Moreover, discussions have taken place between our ministry, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and relevant institutions regarding the introduction of mechanical boats and boats utilizing solar technology, emphasizing a commitment to embracing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.

Furthermore, with support from the Australian Government, a fishing vessel monitoring system has been implemented for multi-day fishing trawlers in our country. Currently, the system has been installed on 2350 multi-day fishing trawlers, with plans to cover all 4200 targeted fishing vessels by the end of the first quarter of next year, enhancing monitoring and management capabilities in the fishing industry.

Currently, there are ongoing efforts at the research level to forecast fishing grounds using vessel observation data. The necessary analysis software has already been developed, and plans are in place to integrate this fishing ground forecasting service once the fishing vessel monitoring system becomes fully operational next year.

Additionally, preparations are underway to update the Fisheries Act and introduce a new Act to replace the existing Fisheries Act of 1996. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to adapting to changing times and addressing emerging challenges. It is anticipated that the new legislation will include stringent measures to combat illegal fishing activities.

Moreover, diplomatic discussions are being conducted between countries to develop a comprehensive action plan aimed at addressing various issues plaguing the fishing industry, demonstrating a commitment to finding sustainable solutions through international cooperation. (NewsWire)

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