Wednesday, 16 April 2014 01:47
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Talks between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s fishermen have been given the nod after months of diplomatic uncertainty. The Indian Central Government has publicly declared the delay was caused by feet dragging on the side of Chief Minister Jayalalitha.
The outcome of the talks remain in limbo as frostiness remains between the two sides despite President Rajapaksa’s move to release Indian fishermen in the aftermath of the United Nations Human Rights (UNHRC) vote. The move had angered some local fishermen who feel without the leverage provided by the fishermen in custody, talks between the two parties will cave in.
Another reason for the trepidation is the fact that Indian fishermen continued to poach even after a previous round of talks had resulted in the agreement that they would not do so. Confidence and trust between the two sides working out a constructive resolution is low and many are worried Sri Lanka will have to allow Indian fishermen into local waters during certain periods.
The odds cannot be higher as India’s continued support of Sri Lanka could be crucial in the months ahead as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights readies to launch an investigation into the last seven years of Sri Lanka’s conflict. India has consistently opposed the probe and there is no doubt that the Government would be more comfortable with India by its side.
If push comes to shove Sri Lanka’s Government may have to focus on the bigger international picture rather than its woes in the fishing sector- a position it was content to take over last month’s release when India chose to abstain from the UNHRC vote. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Senaratne believes the industry loses an estimated $ 78.9 million worth of fish from illegal poaching from South India. The Government has targeted $ 500 million in revenue for 2013, but has had to keep its expectation low due to the significant losses from poaching.
Sri Lankan studies estimate that an average of 1,056 Indian boats cross into Sri Lankan waters illegally, which means $ 19.72 million is lost from their shrimp catch alone. In total Indian fishermen poach at least 65 million kilograms of fish each year.
Satellite images suggest that the poaching is done in a highly-organised manner as the bulk of the boats operate in the night and scramble across the international maritime boundary line by four in the morning. All in all, Senaratne has told reporters he will present a staggering figure of Rs. 95 billion as damages from poaching to the Indian counterparts.
Colombo has previously defended its soft-peddling of the issue by pointing out that if reports are made to international bodies, most of South India’s fishing industry will be shut down and this could not be allowed because of the close relationship enjoyed by the two countries. Yet of late things seem to have gotten out of hand. As many as 400 fish processing plants subsist on this catch and hints have been made by the Minister that strong political backing is given by the Tamil Nadu Government. Ironically, the illegal fishing is affecting northern fishermen the most, who have complained that the Indians use banned fishing methods, destroying coral beds and hacking the seabed beyond repair. Even though the Tamil Nadu Government identifies strongly with the northern population and is often vocal about their political rights, it stumbles when it comes to protecting their economy and livelihoods.
The latest round of talks will attempt to swim against this tide but the challenge remains daunting.
