SL committed to combat IUU fishing: Mangala

17 September 2016 01:51 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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While assuring that Sri Lanka was committed to combat IUU fishing, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said Sri Lanka would prohibit destructive fishing gear and introduce an effective fisheries management system through vessel monitoring and enforcement of relevant laws.

Minister Samaraweera addressing the ‘Our Ocean Conference 2016’ said that Sri Lanka would conduct a survey of fish resources and establish a robust fisheries information system by 2018.

“It is in our interest to secure and ensure sustainable fishing in the country. In recognition of the positive steps taken by Sri Lanka in addressing issues related to IUU fishing, the European Council, in June this year, lifted a ban imposed on the export of fisheries products from Sri Lanka,” he said.

Minister Samaraweera called for the discontinuation and banning of all fishing methods that harm marine eco-systems, worldwide, in particular, bottom trawling.

He said Sri Lanka was perhaps one of the few countries in the world where the Head of State himself holds the portfolio of Environment, given its vital importance for our country, and to ensure that Sri Lanka played its part in a responsible manner on issues of Climate Change and Environment in a global context.

Comments - 3

Shelly. Saturday, 17 September 2016 02:51 PM

Neighbors engage in IUU fishing non stop but U. U. purchase their exports . Why different conditions to S. L. . via DM Android App

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fisherman Saturday, 17 September 2016 04:26 PM

Why India has never been banned, although they handsomely continued with bottom trawling for generations? Also, these Indians when the poach in SL, they do bottom trawling here in SL waters. Probably SL would have got punished because of the mistakes made by Indian fishermen. Or else, is it because EU guys did not like MR and EU took revenge from SL fishermen???

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Henry Saturday, 17 September 2016 06:23 PM

Looks Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera isn't aware of Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters crossing IMBL. The destruction is over there and wish he would urge the Indian Government to stop their nationals in fishing in our seas with disastrous methods too!

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