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