SL losing Rs. 1 b monthly due to illegal poaching in Lankan waters

By Shanika Sriyananda

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director General Lal Fernando said that the economic loss to Sri Lanka due to Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters runs to an estimated Rs. 1 billion a month.

This estimation was done considering the loss to the fishing industry and the damages caused to marine flora and fauna as well as fishing breeding grounds.

“These Indian fishermen are engaged in very hazardous and illegal methods of harvesting fish resources in our territory. They use duel bottom trawling, which is badly destroying our coral reef and fishing grounds. This method is banned in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Fernando added that overharvesting of resources in Sri Lankan territory by the Indian fishermen had badly affected local fishermen.