Context:
The recent remarks by Sri Lankan Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake highlight the deep-rooted complexities of the Palk Bay fisheries dispute, a long-standing issue between India and Sri Lanka. His strong demand for “decisive action” underscores the growing frustration of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen over illegal fishing and bottom trawling by Indian fishermen.
Key Issues in the Fisheries Dispute
a) Environmental Concerns: The Impact of Bottom Trawling
- Bottom trawling is ecologically destructive, leading to:
- Over-exploitation of fish stocks.
- Damage to marine biodiversity and habitats.
- Disruptions in fish breeding cycles.
- While banned in Sri Lanka, it is still practiced by Indian fishermen, worsening tensions.
b) Economic Asymmetry: Wealth Disparity Among Fishermen
- Indian fishermen (Tamil Nadu & Puducherry)
- Have larger, mechanized vessels and access to financial resources.
- Are driven by economic necessity, as their available fishing area in Indian waters is limited by coral reefs and regulatory constraints.
- Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen (Northern Province)
- Are still recovering from the civil war.
- Primarily rely on traditional, small-scale fishing and lack the resources to compete with their Indian counterparts.
c) Geopolitical Sensitivities and Policy Challenges
- The International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between the two countries is often breached by Indian fishermen.
- The Sri Lankan Navy has taken action (arrests, boat seizures), but this escalates diplomatic tensions.
- Sri Lanka’s strong stance under NPP signals a potential policy shift toward stricter enforcement.
The Policy Dilemma
a) The Challenge of Weaning Fishermen Off Bottom Trawling
- Deep-sea fishing has been suggested as an alternative, but its adoption remains slow due to:
- Higher costs (longer voyages, advanced vessels).
- Traditional mindset (generational fishing practices).
- Lack of adequate financial support (₹1,600-crore deep-sea fishing scheme has seen limited success).
- Policy Proposal:
- Merging Palk Bay Deep-Sea Fishing Scheme with Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (₹20,050 crore fund) to increase financial incentives for deep-sea fishing adoption.
b) The Role of Alternative Livelihoods
- Sustainable fishing models must be explored, including:
- Seaweed farming
- Open-sea cage aquaculture
- Ocean ranching
- These options would reduce over-reliance on Palk Bay fishing while ensuring economic stability.
c) Diplomatic and Negotiation Imperatives
- The Sri Lankan government’s silence on resuming fishermen talks is a policy gap.
- Talks were last held in 2016, and India has consistently supported dialogue.
- Strategic Timing for Negotiations:
- The April fishing ban on India’s east coast (2-month duration) provides a window for discussions.
- Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April presents an opportunity for Colombo to proactively engage in resolving the dispute.
The Way Forward: A Multi-Level Resolution Approach
a) Short-Term Actions
- Immediate resumption of fishermen-level talks, hosted by Sri Lanka, to build trust and cooperation.
- Strict regulation of bottom trawling in Tamil Nadu, with penalties and monitoring mechanisms.
- Strengthening of alternative livelihood programs with financial and technical support.
b) Long-Term Solutions
- Deep-sea fishing adoption incentives must be expanded through a merged financial scheme.
- Bilateral fisheries management framework: A structured approach for sustainable resource sharing.
- Maritime security cooperation: Coordinated patrolling mechanisms to prevent border violations.
A Diplomatic and Policy-Driven Resolution is Needed
The Palk Bay fisheries dispute is a multi-dimensional issue that requires a balanced approach between environmental sustainability, economic security, and geopolitical stability. While Sri Lanka is within its rights to demand stronger enforcement, a collaborative resolution through structured dialogue and policy innovation remains the most viable path forward.
Source: TH
