NARA says ban on illegal fishing methods have not been removed

The ban on the use of purse seine (Laila and Surukku) nets has not been removed and the grace period given to those who are using them will end on February 21, the Chairman of NARA Dr.Anil Premarathne said.

Dr.Premarathne speaking to the media yesterday at the Auditorium of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) said that fishermen in Negombo conducted a huge protest on February 01 without a clear understanding on this matter.  He said this ban is strictly in force according to legal provisions provided through several Acts.

According to the Government Information Department,  Dr.Premarathne further emphasised that the ban on illegal fishing gear is not a political decision but has been taken on the advice of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency.

He said that the fishing activities carried out by using Laila and Surukku nets are strictly proscribed and  if such an incident is detected, they will be imposed a fine of less than Rs.50,000. Use of these illegal fishing gear directly affects the small scale fisheries community in many ways and also the aquatic resource, he added.