Increasing vulnerabilities of small-scale fisherfolk
by Chandani Jayatilleke
There is a need to ensure the survival of the small scale fisherfolk
in the aftermath of the tsunami, and in case the Sethusamudram project
is implemented, according to a group of representatives from community
based organisations and lobby groups campaigning for the rights of
fisherfolk.
A section of Lanka’s fishing community |
Fisherfolk from Asia were the worst hit by the tsunami. They not only
lost loved ones, livelihoods, homes and boats and fishing gear but also
their resource base - mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and coastal fish
breeding grounds - that supported their livelihoods.
They are already experiencing the hardships created amid post tsunami
crises. And if the Sethusamudram Project is implemented it could lead to
further marginalisation of the fisherfolk, according to the above
groups.
The groups had deliberations with the officials of ITDG South Asia,
Ruhuna University, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development
Agency (NARA), Coastal Conservation Department and Task Force for
Rebuilding the Nation(TAFREN) at a workshop organized by Intermediate
Technology Development Group, South Asia on the impact of the tsunami,
and the Sethusamudram project, on the small-scale fisheries industry and
coastal resources.
Among the presentations at the seminar were: 'Impact of the Tsunami
on small-scale fishery industry in Sri Lanka' by Tinil Fernando of NARA;
'Impact of tsunami on coastal resources - a case from Sri Lanka' by Dr.
Ruchira Cumarathunga of the University of Ruhuna; 'Impacts of the
Sethusamudram project on coastal resources and fisheries sector' by
Turney Pradeep Kumara of the University of Ruhuna; 'Role of fisher
communities and other stakeholders in rebuilding the fisheries sector'
by Herman Kumara of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement and the
'Trends and future directions of the fishery sector in the post tsunami
rebuilding process' by Patrick Mulvany of ITDG UK.
The seminar discussed the fishery industry and its economic benefits
to the country and its people. The sector provides considerable number
of direct and indirect employment opportunities to nearly one million
household dependants.
In 2003 the sector obtained foreign exchange worth Rs. 9.5 billion
through marine product exports. Its contribution to the country's GDP
was estimated at 2.6%.
However with the tsunami this sector suffered severe losses. The
death toll of fishermen was 5,006, around 32,989 houses of fishermen
were affected by the tsunami and 24,572 were destroyed and around 17,157
of the marine fishing craft were destroyed and 4,241 damaged, an ITDG
South Asia spokesperson said.
According to Tinil Fernando, the total loss in fish production would
be around 86,000 tons in 2005. Therefore, the country's foreign exchange
earnings from fish exports will be lowered by 1/3 as a result of
non-availability of fish for export.
The natural coastal habitats (coral reef, estuaries, lagoons,
mangroves, salt marshes and sand dunes) are immensely productive,
essential for national growth and a rich reservoir of genetic resources
and bio diversity. However, as a result of the tsunami the fragile
corals had been damaged by vigorous water and coral rubble movement and
the entanglements of fishing nets and clothing.
Turney Pradeep Kumara said that having a buffer zone, a green belt
and involvement of coastal communities for conservation measures such as
clean up of beach areas, mangroves and reefs and eco tourism measures
such as artificial reefs and wrecks are necessary strategies for coastal
zone management.
Dr. Ruchira Cumaratunga from the University of Ruhuna who is also in
the committee from Sri Lanka on the Sethusamudram project spoke of the
impacts of the Sethusamudram project on coastal resources and
small-scale fishery Industry.
The Sethusamudram project could affect most important ecosystems -
coral reefs and also dredging the canal will stir up the dust and toxins
that lie beneath the sea bed and will adversely affect the population of
corals. Further, an upsurge of coastal currents due to the Sethusamudram
project can lead to higher tides and to more energetic waves, and hence
to coastal erosion.
In addition the changes of ecology and the food chain have a negative
effect on the fish population, which can in turn affect the lives of the
hundreds of thousands of fisherfolk in the area.
Herman Kumara from the National Fisheries Solidarity (NAFSO)
explained the role of fisher communities and their organisations in
rebuilding the small-scale fisheries sector.
He alleged that the scholars, governmental departments and fisherfolk
had not been involved in developing the post tsunami recovery plan for
the fisheries sector.
Patrick Mulvany, an international activist and campaigner for the
rights of the small-scale farmers and artisanal fisherfolk, stated that
although the largest humanitarian response was generated by the tsunami,
fisherfolk could anticipate worse conditions.
This is mainly due to organisations and institutions of the
fisherfolk in many cases, being decisively weakened not only by the
disaster itself, but, also by people and institutions, who take
advantage of the disaster to further their interests.
Speaking further on the rights of artisanal fisherfolk Mulvany said
that as NGOs and other organisations that work in support of peasant and
fisherfolk organisations and communities, we need to commit ourselves to
support the defence of labour-intensive, beach-based fisheries, as well
as the monitoring of relief and reconstruction efforts, raise awareness
and campaign against dumping of discarded fishing vessels from
industrialised countries in tsunami-affected areas and strengthen local
government authority level organisations.
The future of fishing, provision of fish and the conservation of the
coastal areas depend on the survival of small-scale coastal beach-based
fisheries, he added.
Participants also proposed certain recommendations, such as involving
a relevant national or international agency to study the impacts of the
Sethusamudram project and to work closely with local organisations
involved in the fisheries sector to obtain their recommendations in the
process.
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