Table of Contents
THE CONTEXT: The resumption of fishing off India’s eastern coast, following the annual 61-day ban, has reignited tensions between India and Sri Lanka, culminating in the tragic death of a Sri Lankan Navy sailor. This incident underscores the urgent need for both nations to address the long-standing fisheries dispute, exacerbated by historical maritime boundary agreements. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s call for diplomatic intervention highlights the complexity of balancing legal, environmental, and livelihood concerns.
THE ISSUES:
- Illegal Fishing and Maritime Boundary Violations: The incident underscores the ongoing problem of Indian fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters, which is illegal. This has led to frequent confrontations with the Sri Lankan Navy, resulting in arrests and sometimes fatalities. The demarcation of maritime boundaries through the 1974 and 1976 agreements has not resolved the issue, as fishermen from Tamil Nadu continue to fish in these contested waters due to their reliance on the rich fishing grounds of the Palk Strait and Palk Bay.
- Impact on Livelihoods and Marine Ecosystem: These disputes deeply affect the livelihoods of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The use of bottom trawlers by Indian fishermen is particularly contentious, as it is seen as destructive to the marine ecosystem, depleting fish stocks that both communities rely on. There is a pressing need to balance livelihood opportunities with preserving marine resources.
- Need for Diversification and Sustainable Fishing Practices: The Tamil Nadu fishermen need to transition from bottom trawling to more sustainable fishing practices. These include deep-sea fishing, marine cage farming, seaweed cultivation, and sea ranching. However, implementing these alternatives has been slow and largely unsuccessful, with only a few deep-sea fishing vessels being handed over to beneficiaries despite significant investment.
- Diplomatic and Negotiation Efforts: The situation calls for renewed diplomatic efforts and negotiations between India and Sri Lanka. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has urged the Indian External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to convene a meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries, which has not met in over two years. This group is crucial for addressing the fisheries dispute and finding a sustainable solution that benefits both countries.
- Humanitarian Concerns and Legal Proceedings: The humanitarian aspect of the dispute is significant, with numerous fishermen being arrested and detained. The recent incident has escalated tensions, with the arrested Indian fishermen facing charges related to the death of the Sri Lankan sailor. There is a need for both countries to handle these situations with sensitivity and ensure the humane treatment of fishermen while also addressing the legal and security concerns involved.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Revival of Bilateral Negotiations and Joint Working Group Meetings: To address the fisheries dispute, revive and regularly convene the Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings between India and Sri Lanka. This group should include representatives from both governments, the fishing communities, and relevant officials from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
- Gradual Phasing Out of Bottom Trawling: Implement a phased approach to replacing bottom trawlers with more sustainable fishing methods. This includes promoting deep-sea fishing, marine cage farming, seaweed cultivation, and sea ranching. Sustainable fishing practices can help preserve marine biodiversity while ensuring fishermen’s livelihoods. Training programs and financial assistance can help fishermen transition to new methods.
- Enhanced Deep-Sea Fishing Project: Revise and improve the deep-sea fishing project by increasing the unit cost of deep-sea fishing vessels to ₹120 lakh, aligning it with the all-India program standards. Increasing financial support for deep-sea fishing vessels can make the project attractive to fishermen. This can lead to a higher adoption rate and reduce dependency on bottom trawling. Collaboration between the Union and state governments is crucial for successful implementation.
- Community-Based Fisheries Management: Establish community-based fisheries management (CBFM) systems in which local fishing communities are involved in decision-making processes regarding fishing practices and resource management. Environmental NGOs and fisheries management experts support CBFM, which empowers local communities and ensures that fishing practices are sustainable and culturally appropriate. Government support and legal frameworks are necessary to institutionalize CBFM.
- Bilateral Support Programs for Northern Province Fishermen: Develop bilateral support programs to assist fishermen in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. These programs can include financial aid, training, and infrastructure development. Funding and technical assistance can be sourced from bilateral agreements and international donors.
THE CONCLUSION:
Reviving the negotiation process between India and Sri Lanka is crucial to resolving the fisheries dispute and preventing further loss of life. A collaborative approach involving governments, fishing communities, and regional officials is essential to develop sustainable solutions. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective policies, both nations can ensure the preservation of marine ecosystems while safeguarding the livelihoods of their fisherfolk.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka, considering the preceding statement. 2023
Q. Regarding India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. 2013
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. The India-Sri Lanka fisheries dispute, particularly in the Palk Bay region, has long been exacerbated by historical agreements and current livelihood challenges. Discuss the key factors contributing to this dispute and suggest measures that both countries can take to resolve it, ensuring the protection of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishermen.
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