Abandoned fishing trawlers causing environmental disaster in Negombo Lagoon

Fishermen say that abandoned fishing boats in the Negombo Lagoon are causing tremendous environmental damage. 

Many multi-day fishing trawlers are berthed in the Negombo Lagoon. Boat yards used for effecting repairs to the vessels and places that provide other services for the boats are also located close to the lagoon. 

However, many multi-day fishing trawlers that cannot be repaired are simply left abandoned in the lagoon. Fishermen say that these boats are causing enormous damage to the environment. Some of the vessels have been abandoned and left to rot near the lagoon's famous mangroves. Fishermen claim that breeding of prawns and fish in the lagoon has slowed as a result of environmental damage from the abandoned vessels. 

The fishermen also charge that no one in authority has taken steps to prevent trawlers being abandoned in the lagoon. They add that debris from the vessels are deposited on the lagoon's surface and this is also causing damage to their nets and other fishing equipment. They say authorities have failed to pay any attention to the destruction so far. 

Text and Pix by Jude Samantha