Illegal Indian trawlers operating in Sri Lankan waters have once again become a major concern for the country’s seafood industry, with exporters urging the Government to take immediate action to prevent the anticipated resumption of cross-border fishing activities later this month.
Seafood industry warns illegal Indian trawlers threaten exports and livelihoods
The Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka has called on authorities to strengthen enforcement measures and protect the country’s maritime resources, warning that continued incursions by illegal Indian trawlers could have severe economic, environmental, and social consequences.
According to the association, fishing vessels from India’s Tamil Nadu state are expected to resume operations in Sri Lankan territorial waters around June 15, raising concerns among fishermen, exporters, and coastal communities that have long been affected by illegal fishing activities.
Industry representatives argue that illegal bottom trawling remains one of the most damaging practices impacting Sri Lanka’s marine environment. The method involves dragging heavy fishing nets across the seabed, causing significant destruction to marine habitats, coral ecosystems, and breeding grounds essential for maintaining healthy fish populations.
The association stated that years of illegal fishing activities have already contributed to the depletion of valuable seafood resources, particularly in the Northern and North-Western coastal regions. These areas support thousands of fishing families who depend on sustainable access to marine resources for their livelihoods.
Beyond environmental concerns, industry stakeholders say the continued presence of illegal Indian trawlers threatens the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s fishing sector and undermines the country’s position in international seafood markets.
Sri Lanka has built a reputation as a supplier of high-quality seafood exports to markets across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Maintaining sustainable harvesting practices and ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain have become increasingly important as global buyers place greater emphasis on environmental responsibility and resource management.
The Seafood Exporters’ Association warned that illegal fishing activities directly affect the availability and quality of seafood stocks, creating additional challenges for exporters already operating in a highly competitive global environment.
The industry is also facing mounting international trade pressures. Exporters continue to navigate existing tariffs in key overseas markets while monitoring potential additional trade measures that could further affect market access and competitiveness.
Industry representatives noted that the combination of illegal fishing, rising operational costs, and external trade barriers places significant pressure on businesses throughout the seafood value chain. These challenges affect not only exporters but also fishermen, processors, logistics providers, and other stakeholders who depend on the sector.
The association stressed that protecting Sri Lanka’s fisheries resources is essential for safeguarding the future of seafood exports and maintaining the confidence of international buyers. Sustainable resource management, it said, remains a critical factor in preserving long-term access to premium export markets.
In its appeal to the Government, the association called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, the Sri Lanka Navy, and other relevant authorities to implement effective enforcement measures to prevent illegal incursions into Sri Lankan waters.
The organisation emphasized that the issue extends beyond economic considerations and involves the protection of national sovereignty, marine biodiversity, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Failure to address the problem could result in further depletion of fish stocks and irreversible environmental damage.
Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka President Dilan Fernando said the industry remains committed to supporting sustainable fisheries management and responsible harvesting practices while working to preserve the country’s marine resources for future generations.
Fernando urged authorities to treat the matter as a national priority and take decisive action to defend Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries. He noted that protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources are essential for maintaining economic stability in the sector and supporting communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihoods.
As concerns grow ahead of the anticipated resumption of cross-border fishing activities, industry stakeholders are hoping for stronger enforcement efforts that will safeguard Sri Lanka’s marine resources, strengthen sustainable fisheries management, and support the continued growth of the country’s seafood exports sector.