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Former Sri Lankan CM C.V. Wigneswaran has urged action to stop Bottom trawling practice.
Bottom trawling, which damages marine ecosystems by scooping fish and marine organisms from the seabed, harms both Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka’s fishing resources.
Impact on Sri Lankan Fishermen
Bottom trawling by Indian boats has severely depleted marine resources along Sri Lanka's coast, leading to reduced catches for local fishermen.
Sri Lankan fishermen report damaged fishing nets and gear due to trawler activity, worsening their economic situation.
Cross-border Conflicts
Since January 2025, Sri Lankan Navy has arrested over 100 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, intensifying tensions.
Tamil Nadu fishermen recently went on strike after the arrest of 32 fishermen and the seizure of their boats.
Political Challenges and Potential Solutions
Despite a 2017 ban on bottom trawling in Sri Lanka, some wealthier fishermen still engage in the practice, leading to local conflicts.
Wigneswaran urges Tamil Nadu CM to collaborate with New Delhi to resolve the issue without harming poor fishermen’s livelihoods on both sides.
The issue has been under discussion for nearly a decade, with limited progress on ending bottom trawling.
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