Northern Region Lacks Comprehensive Marine Resource Survey

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis directed the Ministry of Fisheries to submit a comprehensive report outlining strategies to address the issue of Indian fishermen engaging in unauthorized fishing activities within the North Sea territory.

This directive follows a recent deliberation involving officials from the Fisheries Ministry and representatives of the northern fishing community.

During the meeting, members of the northern fishing community underscored the detrimental impact of Indian fishermen's activities on their livelihoods.

It was highlighted that the damage inflicted on marine resources through bottom trawling by Indian fishermen remains unassessed.

Concern was raised regarding the absence of a marine resource survey within the northern region, unlike in other parts of the country, as noted by Gamini Valeboda, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis.

MP Valeboda emphasized the necessity of such assessments to effectively manage marine resources.