Ramalingam Chandrasekaran, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, stated that representatives of the Jaffna District Fisheries Cooperative Societies Federation met him yesterday (Feb 16) at the Ministry in Colombo for an important discussion on issues affecting the fishing community.
During the meeting, representatives explained in detail how the use of machines in traditional shore-seine fishing is causing damage to marine resources and severely affecting the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen. They stressed the urgent need to protect traditional fishing practices and safeguard the rights of local fishing communities.
The Minister emphasized that protecting traditional fishing and ensuring the rights of fishing communities is a responsibility of the government. He said necessary steps will be taken, in consultation with relevant authorities, to regulate the use of machines in shore-seine fishing and to prevent illegal activities.
He further noted that the government’s objective is to protect marine resources and ensure a sustainable fishing industry for future generations.
The Secretary to the Ministry and the Department Director were also present at the discussion.
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