Experts fish for solution to Sri Lankan maritime issue

Chennai: In line with the policy initiatives of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), a team of scientists from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, visited Chennai and gathered information on trans-boundary fisheries conflict and the way forward. The one point that came as a possible alternative was to formulate a 'Mariculture Water Lease Policy.'

This gains immense importance with the continuing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen who are accused of trespassing in Sri Lankan waters and the State government mounting pressure on the Centre to find a solution. Day-long discussions were held by top ICAR scientists with experts from TN and Odisha.

Ironically, no TN government official attended the meet and only a few officials from State-run universities were there. The meeting was chaired by Dr A.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension & Fisheries). An official document is being prepared post-discussions, which will be forwarded to PMO.

Senior scientists of Chennai-based Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have made a strong case for Mariculture Water Lease Policy, which will allow aquaculturists and fishermen's community to use the coastal waters for commercial farming.

Ironically, no TN government official attended the meet and only a few officials from State-run universities were there. The meeting was chaired by Dr A.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension & Fisheries). An official document is being prepared post-discussions, which will be forwarded to PMO.

Senior scientists of Chennai-based Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have made a strong case for Mariculture Water Lease Policy, which will allow aquaculturists and fishermen’s community to use the coastal waters for commercial farming.

Dr K.K. Vijayan, director, CIBA, told Deccan Chronicle that globally, coastal aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food sector industries. The potential of aquaculture for food production and the alleviation of poverty to people living in coastal areas were widely recognised and legal policies were drafted in many countries and implemented to support the fisher folk.

“It’s high time that we also start exploring and have a policy in place.”