EU praises modernization of fisheries sector

Mechanisms of strengthening EU-Sri Lanka cooperation:

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Wide ranging issues pertaining to fisheries and trade with the European Union were discussed when an EU delegation headed by Principal Advisor and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Director General Cesar Deben Alfonso called on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

EU Policy officer on Fisheries Control Policy Desire Kjoslen also participated in the talks.

The meeting which was a follow-up to the EU inspection mission concluded in October last year,focused on issues related to Sri Lankan exports to the EU and mechanisms of strengthening EU-Sri Lanka cooperation in avoiding Illegal,Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and export of such products to the EU. The European Union is the main market for tuna exports from Sri Lanka.

The meeting also touched on issues, such as, foreign landings,catch certification and increased cooperation with regional fisheries management programmes of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union.

The EU delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress made in modernizing the fisheries sector of the country while taking on-board environmental and management considerations, including the planned implementation of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to facilitate catch certification and traceability.

The EU team also met Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry's Secretary Dr. Damitha De Zoysa and senior officials in the ministry.