The Palk Bay constitutes exceptionally rich fishing grounds for the fishers of India and Sri Lanka. In
the recent past, dispute between Indian and Sri Lankan fishers has emerged in exploiting fisheries
resources, posing serious threats to the livelihoods of thousands of fishery dependents in the two
countries. Present study comprehensively explores all aspects of Indo-Sri Lanka fishing conflict,
reviewing articles published during 1995-2018. Twenty-five articles that addressed the Palk Bay fishing
conflict were obtained, using a systematic search strategy. The present study unfolds that fishers
were engaged in fishing activities in Palk Bay, using different craft and gear combinations over many
decades. Conspicuously, several factors are influential for the emergence and escalation of Indo-Sri
Lanka fishing conflict, including; (1) establishment of International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL); (2)
introduction of mechanized trawls by Indian fishers in 1960s with the expansion of the export market
demand for shrimp; (3) imposition of fishing ban by Sri Lankan government during civil war during
1983-2009; (4) recommencement of distant water fisheries in the Palk Bay by Sri Lankan fishers with
the conclusion of civil war in 2009, and (5) damage to fishing crafts and gears of artisanal fishers.
Moreover, the study elucidates that Indo-Sri Lanka fishing conflict has a detrimental impact on the
fisheries industry, livelihoods of the fishers, economy and political stability of India and Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, the fishing conflict has caused many negative impacts including depletion of fishery
resources, increase in enforcement cost, reduction of foreign exchange earnings, arresting fishers,
presence of illegal trading and smuggling of arms and ammunition. Several measures have been taken
by Indian and Sri Lankan Governments to resolve the fishing conflict. Albeit, they have yet to come to
a common agreement to find an amicable long-lasting solution, vital for moving forward the industry
in a sustainable manner.
