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No space for anchoring; Govt to release 42 Indian vessels
View(s):The Government is considering the release of some Indian fishing trawlers because of the burden of finding anchoring space for about 130 vessels now in custody. The Sunday Times learns the Government is considering the release of some 42 Indian trawlers seized in 2015.
The number of seized vessels has risen to 129 due to a tough policy adopted by the Sri Lankan Government. In terms of the policy, the poaching vessels were detained, but the fishermen were released on humanitarian grounds and action filed against vessel owners.The seized vessels are being detained in naval bases and other harbours.
Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera confirmed that there were moves to release some of the vessels detained, but declined to give reasons.
He said, however, a decision would be taken only with the consent of the northern fishermen. “We have had a meeting with northern fishermen last month on this and I have assured them those trawlers would not be released without their consent. We are hoping to finalise the release of boats when the Indian delegation visits us,” Minister Amaraweera said.
The move came as the Jaffna District Fisheries Federation this week formally informed the Minister of its consent to release the Indian trawlers in custody. “The Executive Committee unanimously decided to request the Minister to use his good offices to facilitate the early release of the detained Indian fishermen along with their fishing gear as an act of goodwill between two friendly countries,” the association said in a letter to the Fisheries Ministry.
The fishermen also urged the minister to seek compensation for the damage caused to their equipment by poaching Indian fishermen from 1990 onwards. They also urged the minister to get an assurance from the Indian government that the released Indian trawlers would not be used again for poaching.However, Indian trawlers continued their poaching in Sri Lankan waters with at least 26 of Indian fishermen being arrested this week in Mannar, the Delf Island and Trincomalee and four vessels were taken into custody.
Mannar fisherman Anthony Clary Croos complained his fishing nets and equipment were damaged on Thursday by poaching Indian fishermen in 30 vessels near Delft Island. “I could not track my fishing nets in the sea after trawlers visited the area. I bought those nets using a community loan. The Fisheries Department officials also not interested to record complaint for compensation,” Mr Croos told the Sunday Times.
One of the Indian fishermen who were arrested on Friday in Pulmudai, Trincomalee stabbed himself, police said. He has been admitted to hospital for treatment.