Abstract:
Effective poaching of deep sea fishers into neighboring Exciusive Economic Zones [EEZJ and even beyond
was disclaimed by European Union IEUJ and banned fish and fisheries products from Sri Lanka. As a
result of the series of discussions held between EU delegates and Governmentof SriLanka[GOSL)officers
with the mediation of fish exporters' association, 1500 licenses were granted for high seas operation with
adjustments. This study evaluates the strategies and adjustments adopted to unveil the EU ban by G0SL
deeming on technological innovations and their consequences. The study was mainly based on secondary
data from Ministry of Fisheries and Vessel Monitoring Center. Further, key informant discussions were held with
responsible resource personnel in the sector. In depth interviews with skippers and key informant discussions were held to glean primary data. Findings indicate two folds of changes: technology
and awareness. Technological innovations were introduced for the licensed boats thus transponders, e-log
books, and active radio communication around the clock was implemented. All the measures were taken
for traceability, which was the prime focus of the EU. Trained skippers were accredited with a certificate
in order to allow high seas fishing operations. Consequently, poaching brought down successfully to one
percent within two years. However, practical obstacles are yet to be solved from fishers' perspectives. Ear
marketing the deep sea fisheries, Sri Lanka is privileged with the novel technology compared to the other
countries in the region. Thus, policy focus is needed to be steering toward high seas fishing operations
that would ensure multiple benefits to all the stakeholders attaining fisheries policy targets with advanced
technology and knowhow.
