A discussion on the issues that have arisen regarding the livelihood of fishermen in Mannar District was held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Douglas Devananda on 14.01.2024 at the Auditorium of Mannar District Fisheries Department.
At this occasion, the impact of the fishing activities carried out by the Indian fishermen, the impact of the second phase of the wind power project on the fishermen and the illicit fishing activities in the Mannar district were discussed with the minister.
Furthermore, attention was drawn to the delay in providing subsidies after looking into various obstacles caused by sea leech farms and shrimp farms. Additionally in this event, the Minister directed the Navy to take immediate steps to stop the illegal fishing activities such as dynamite, gill nets and diving in the Mannar district.
The minister further laid emphasis upon the necessity of the support of the fisheries associations to the navy to stop these illegal fishing activities.
In addition, the minister stated that action should be taken to stop fishing activities by Indian fishing vessels in a manner that does not threaten the lives of Indian fishermen.
In the meantime, he said that he is discussing with Indian politicians about the Indian bottom trawling campaign.
