Developing fisheries sector

The decision taken by the Government to relax fishing restrictions in parts of the Eastern coast would be a most welcome news to the fishermen in the region who have had their livelihood disrupted for long due to the security situation.

According to our main front page story yesterday Senior Presidential Advisor MP Basil Rajapaksa had given a sympathetic hearing to the woes of the fishermen in Muttur before arranging with the Navy to lift certain restrictions for fishermen on the Muttur-Kinniya coastal stretch.

Several other concessions too had been granted such as the extension of the distance for deep sea fishing from two miles to five miles the use of motor boats below 15 horse power, the use of madel and also an extension of time limits for fishing.

All these measures no doubt would offer considerable relief to the fisherfolk in the region who in addition to having their traditional livelihoods disrupted by the conflict were also dealt a double blow in the form of the tsunami.

Not stopping at this, measures should also be taken to enable these fishermen to market their catch and extend other facilities enjoyed by their counterparts in the South.

The soaring fish prices in the South could to brought down to some degree by a regular shipment of fish from the East which while enabling the Eastern fisherman to live comfortably would also make this most vital source of protein within the purse of the ordinary consumer while reviving a once prosperous supply network between the fish producing East and the South.

With the East now under the complete control of the Government it is hoped that other barriers too would be gradually eliminated enabling the Eastern population to emerge from their restricted life and integrate into the mainstream. We hope the ultimate liberation of the North from the LTTE would lead to the easing of fishing restrictions in that region as well.

The May 10 Eastern Election will give an opportunity to the Eastern population to elect their own representatives to govern the area. They will have an intimate knowledge of the needs and aspirations of the fishing and agricultural communities who have been making an immense contribution to the province's economic well being.

They will hopefully evolve more programmes that will benefit the Eastern fisherfolk who are in a position to make a bigger contribution to the Nation.

At a time when food prices are rising globally, the provision of cheaper fish, a good source of proteins, to the masses must be given priority. Fish prices vary seasonally, but more advanced storage facilities (cold rooms) located at various points of the country including the emerging East will enable the consumer to get fish at reasonable prices throughout the year.

Similarly, Sri Lanka lacks canning facilities for fish. It is no secret that foreign vessels poaching in Lankan waters later can their catch, which in turn is exported to Sri Lanka itself. Perhaps the development programmes for the East can include a canning facility.

The modernisation of the fishing fleet is essential in the country's quest to increase the fish catch. Many fishermen affected by the tsunami did receive newer boats but there are thousands of others who should get better boats.

The deployment of more multi-day fishing boats equipped with sonar and radio communications will help yield a bigger catch.

More attention should be paid to the inland fishery sector, which has seen a decline over the years. The restrictions imposed on this sector by an earlier regime stifled it for several years and it was very hard to revive it later. Most inland fish are more nutritious and tasty. Inland fish can be a healthier and cheaper option especially for those living in the interior of the country.

Sri Lanka will soon acquire a far bigger ocean area in a couple of years and the fisheries sector will have to rise to the challenge. The Eastern fishing community will be in a position to make a significant contribution in this regard.