Fishermen demand compensation for damaged equipment

Nearly 30 nets belonging to a Karainagar-based fisherman are reported to have  been damaged by trawlers run by unknown persons in Jaffna districts, the Hindu reported.

Fishermen from Jaffna have demanded that the Sri Lankan government frame a comprehensive scheme to safeguard their interests when they experience huge losses caused by poachers.

The need for such a scheme has been felt in the light of a recent incident near Neduntheevu or Deft Island in the Jaffna district wherein 27 out of 30 nets belonging to a Karainagar-based fisherman were said to have been damaged by trawlers run by unknown persons, the report said.

On the same day, the Sri Lankan authorities had apprehended four fishermen, hailing from India, along with a trawler, for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The fisherman concerned, Loganathan, claims that even his three other nets are of no use as they too have suffered irreparable damages. In monetary terms, his loss comes to about SLR 2.5 lakh. “I do not know how I will be able to mobilise this much money and get back to regular fishing,”Mr. Loganathan was quoted as saying.