The Katchatheevu Island and the Palk Bay Strait, located between the southeast coast of India and Sri Lanka, have been the traditional fishing grounds for Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan fishers for centuries. However, borders drawn between the two nations in 1974 and 1976 have resulted in disputes over fishing rights.
The Fishermen Issue and Its Effect on India-Sri Lanka Relations
Incidents of Indian fishermen being arrested by Sri Lankan Naval personnel have raised concerns over the strained relationship between the two countries. With a total of 284 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka in 2019 and 2020, the contentious issue has led to the formation of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries between the two nations. Specifically, the Sri Lankan fishermen have voiced their objections about their Indian counterparts fishing in their waters following the end of the Eelam war in 2009.
Maritime Agreements and International Boundaries
In 1974 and 1976, treaties were signed between India and Sri Lanka to demarcate the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). This resulted in transforming the Palk Strait into a ‘two-nation pond,’ barring international fishing and shipping according to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The drawback is, the IMBL was not recognized by local fishermen who continued to fish irrespective of boundaries, leading to conflicts and arrests.
The Issue of Katchatheevu Island
Katchatheevu Island, used by fishermen to sort their catch, fell on the other side of the IMBL due to the maritime agreements. Consequently, fishermen often risk crossing the IMBL rather than returning empty-handed, provoking the vigilant Sri Lankan Navy who respond by arresting them or destroying their fishing nets.
The Core Problem and the Continuation of Disputes
The crux of the matter is the dependency of a large number of Indian fishermen on fishing in Sri Lankan waters, which is prohibited by the 1976 Maritime Boundary Agreement. Moreover, many Indian fishermen rely on trawling, a method banned in Sri Lanka.
Initiatives Taken to Address the Fishermen Issue
In order to mitigate the disputes, various initiatives have been implemented. For instance, the IMBL was geo-tagged, becoming visible to fishermen via GPS sets. Additionally, the Deep Sea Fishing Scheme was introduced to replace bottom trawling. This scheme aims to equip Tamil Nadu’s fishermen with 2,000 deep-sea fishing boats by 2019-20, thereby putting an end to disputes.
Proposed Solutions for the Issues
To successfully resolve this issue, several steps must be taken. India should ban fishery equipment that is prohibited in Sri Lanka, especially in the Palk Bay area. Destructive fishing practices should be stopped to safeguard marine ecology. The conversion of trawlers into smaller fishing vessels and their allocation to other areas such as the Odisha coast could help protect Indian fishermen’s livelihoods.
The Role of the Proposed Palk Bay Authority (PBA)
Transforming the Palk Bay from contested territory into a common heritage requires collective efforts. A proposed Palk Bay Authority (PBA), comprised of marine ecologists, fisheries experts, strategic specialists, and government representatives, could regulate sustainable catch, permissible fishing equipment, and allocate fishing dates for both countries’ fishermen. The primary aim should be to enrich marine resources and improve the livelihoods of the fishing communities.