Indian fishing trawlers encroaching the seas around Jaffna peninsula have increased in large numbers recently, damaging the fishing nets of local fishermen while robbing local fish resources, president of Federation Jaffna peninsula fishermen societies, S. Thavaratnam said. Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) turns a blind eye to deep sea trawler fishing by Indian fishermen in the seas from Mayiliddi in Kaangkeasanththu’rai to Maathakal and in the seas of the islets of Jaffna, he added. Meanwhile, trawler fishing is being permitted in peninsula seas despite protest by local fishermen and against Fisheries Department regulations, with the blessing of a government minister, sources in Jaffna said.
The Indian fishing trawlers engage in fishing during nights mainly in areas which are restricted for local fishermen, Thavaratnam said.
Jaffna peninsula fishermen continue to agitate against the trawler fishing in their seas as it causes damage to their nets and other equipment besides dwindling fish resources.
The fishermen held a demonstration recently in Valveddiththu’rai against trawler fishing in the peninsula seas.
Meanwhile, fishermen from the South have invaded the seas in the North from Naakarkoayil in Vadamaraadchi up to Mullaiththeevu where local people have not been permitted to resettle by the government, Thavaratnam said.
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