Indian fishermen worry about poor catch after Lanka deal

The fishermen of Nagapattinam, India have decided not to cross the international maritime boundary line (IMBL) and ban those breaching the boundary for a month.

The decision, taken during a meeting on Sunday, has drawn mixed response from fellow fishermen and boat owners. While few feel that there was high possibility of their boats being dragged by ocean current or wind into Sri Lankan waters, others say that it was practically impossible to restrict fishing within Indian waters where marine resources are abysmally low.

“We agree that we should not be a hindrance to the welfare of the Sri Lankan fishermen. What is essential is smooth sharing of resources by Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen. If at all we are keen in not crossing the IMBL, we should stop venturing beyond a certain point even within our waters, because ocean current and wind might drag us to the other side if we go close to the boundary line. But staying close to our coast is highly unremunerative,” said R M P Rajendira Nattar, district president of Tamil Nadu Fish Workers Union.

He said a permanent and acceptable solution should be taken by the government of India and Sri Lanka so that fishermen from both the countries could share the resources. A few boat owners feel that their livelihood would be jeopardised due to poor resources in Indian waters. “The IMBL is not appropriate for Tamil Nadu fishermen. The Palk Strait is too narrow and to remain within the Indian waters is very difficult,” said R Thyagaraja, a boat owner from Keechankuppam.

S Vivekanandan, assistant director of fisheries, welcomed the decision and said the challenge lies in fishermen adhering to the decision. “We have always instructed them to fish within Indian waters,” he said, Times of India reports.