Indo-Sri Lanka Fishing Conflict in the Palk Bay and its Implications for Fisheries

Abstract

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.