Why in news
On February 8, 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged poaching, bringing the total number of Indian fishermen detained this year to 77.
The arrests and incidents, such as the shooting of an Indian boat on January 27, highlight the ongoing fisheries dispute in the Palk Bay region between India and Sri Lanka.
International Laws on Freedom of Fishing
UN Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA, 1995): States should either become members, or they should agree to apply the conservation and management measures established by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to access fishery resources.
RFMOs are international bodies responsible for managing and conserving fish stocks in specific ocean regions.
UNCLOS, 1982: Article 87 of UNCLOS limits fishing freedom on the high seas, making it illegal for vessels from States that fail to meet its conditions.
E.g., Considering due regard for the interests of other States in their exercise of the freedom of the high seas.
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