French inputs to resolve India–Sri Lanka fisheries issue

• Proposes guidelines on IUU fishing within IORA   
• Cooperation highlighted through joint efforts within IORA framework

 By Kelum Bandara

France which has taken an increased interest in the  Indo-Pacific maritime security is in the process of contributing to the  evolution of a common legal framework that can help Sri Lanka to address  the issue of IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing by  Indian fishermen.  

French Ambassador for the Indo-Pacific Mare Abensour who  is in Sri Lanka told a select group of journalists that France can help  define the regulatory framework in containing IUU fishing. He made  these remarks in response to a question about Sri Lanka being a victim  of IUU fishing by fishermen from southern part of India.  
He said France and Indonesia are doing it within the  framework of IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) which is currently  chaired by Sri Lanka.   

“We, both countries, are proposing to the IORA guidelines on IUU fishing,” he said.

He said there is a lacuna in this regard in the IORA  countries. As an example, he said the relevant fishing harbours can  contribute to the containment of IUU fishing making sure that the  catches received from each fishing fleet were consistent with the quota.  

 Elaborating more on the broader Indo-Pacific vision of  France, he said it was reflected in French President Emmanuel Macron’s  visit to the region, including Sri Lanka last year. He said France  committed its partnership with the Indo-Pacific despite crises involving  Ukraine and the Middle-eastern region.   

“It is also due to the fact that France is also a resident nation of the Indo-Pacific,” he said.   
For France, the Indian Ocean accounts for 30 per cent of its  Exclusive Economic Zone. He said France contributes to the stability  of the region.