- The article discusses the longstanding fisheries dispute between India and Sri Lanka, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions and renewed bilateral talks.
Key Issues in the Fisheries Dispute
- Recurrent Arrests:
- Indian fishermen are frequently arrested for straying into Sri Lankan waters, often due to engine failures or adverse weather.
- Issues include destruction of vessels, confiscation, and hefty fines by Sri Lankan authorities.
- Violation of IMBL:
- Indian fishermen claim historical rights beyond the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
- The Palk Bay is divided by the IMBL, but fishing rights remain contested.
- Depletion of Fish Stocks:
- Overfishing on the Indian side pushes fishermen into Sri Lankan waters, which Sri Lanka views as poaching.
- Bottom-Trawling:
- Sri Lanka opposes India’s bottom trawling practices, which damage marine ecosystems.
- National Security Concerns:
- Sri Lanka fears that Indian trawlers may be linked to Tamil militant groups.
- Katchatheevu Island Dispute:
- The uninhabited Katchatheevu Island’s ownership was established in a 1974 agreement, but access rights for Indian fishermen remain contentious.
Major Areas of Cooperation
- Development Cooperation:
- India aids Sri Lanka with housing projects, electricity, and community development.
- Economic Cooperation:
- The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) enhances economic ties, with over 60% of Sri Lankan exports benefiting from it.
- Cultural Relations:
- Cultural exchanges are promoted through agreements and initiatives like the Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo.
- Defence and Security Cooperation:
- Joint military exercises and defence dialogues strengthen security ties, including assistance with maritime security.
- Multilateral Cooperation:
- Both nations participate in regional organizations such as BIMSTEC and SAARC.
Implications of the Conflict
- Livelihood Issues:
- Arrests and conflicts distress fishing communities, leading to fatalities.
- Enforcement Challenges:
- Increased costs for patrolling the IMBL strain resources.
- Smuggling Concerns:
- Difficulty in differentiating genuine fishermen from smugglers complicates enforcement.
- Political Ramifications:
- Tensions affect diplomatic relations, including India’s support for Sri Lanka in international forums.
- Environmental Impact:
- Overfishing and bottom trawling threaten marine ecosystems.
- Economic Consequences:
- Sri Lanka loses approximately USD 730 million annually due to poaching.
International Laws on Fishing
- UN Fish Stocks Agreement (1995):
- States must adhere to conservation measures established by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs).
- UNCLOS (1982):
- Article 87 restricts fishing freedom on the high seas and mandates consideration for other states’ interests.
Suggested Way Forward
- Joint Marine Resource Management:
- Establish a regional fisheries management authority for sustainable practices.
- Promoting Deep-Sea Fishing:
- Transition Tamil Nadu fishermen to deep-sea fishing to reduce pressure on local stocks.
- Enforcing Regulations:
- Strict enforcement of fishing regulations, with gradual phasing out of harmful practices.
- Enhancing Regional Cooperation:
- Collaborate on marine conservation and technological advancements.
- Humanitarian and Legal Frameworks:
- Establish humane treatment protocols for detained fishermen and adopt dispute resolution mechanisms.
Conclusion
- Resolving the fisheries dispute is crucial for economic, environmental, and diplomatic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Enhanced cooperation can strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to regional peace and security.