Trawling banned in Northern sea

Trawling in the Northern Sea under no circumstances could be permitted, said Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Development Minister Douglas Devananda.

"Our marine resource would be completely destroyed by trawling. Therefore, the Government has resorted to completely ban trawling in the Northern sea area," the Minister said when he met representatives from the Gurunagar Fisheries Co-operative Societies at his Ministerial Office last week.

The Minister said that he would hold a discussion with representatives of all Fisher Societies to sort out problems of Jaffna District fishermen. He said that his aim was to create an environment where fishermen could carry out their activities without any hindrances similar to what existed about 20 years ago and therefore, to contribute their fullest co-operation to realize his aim. Jaffna Municipal Council Deputy Mayor Ilango Regan, Vadamaarachchi Fisher Co-operative Society President M Emiliampillai and fishermen participated at the meeting.