Sri Lanka Cracks Down on Ghost Boats: National Census Today

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is set to launch a National Fishing Vessel Census, targeting fiberglass boats in the initial phase. 

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the "Clean Sri Lanka" program, aims to streamline vessel management and mitigate the growing threat of marine pollution.

The census will be conducted at fishing harbors across the country until August 20, focusing on identifying and documenting fiberglass boats—many of which have been abandoned or retired from active use.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, while fiberglass boats are vital to Sri Lanka’s fishing and maritime industries, their improper disposal has led to serious environmental, social, and economic consequences. 

Without a formal disposal mechanism, these vessels degrade into microplastics, leach toxic chemicals into soil and water, and contribute to coastal degradation.

Abandoned fiberglass boats not only pollute our oceans but also become breeding grounds for disease vectors and diminish the aesthetic value of the shorelines.

Fiberglass recycling is notoriously difficult and expensive, often resulting in boats being destroyed through open burning—a method that poses further environmental risks. 

The ministry emphasized the urgent need for a structured registry and disposal system to manage these vessels sustainably.

The census is expected to pave the way for:

-Removal of derelict boats
-Introduction of sustainable recycling methods
-Reduction of microplastic pollution
-Improved coastal sanitation
-Enhanced space for active fishing operations