Revisiting the conflict in the “not - so - deep blue sea”, Indo - Lanka Fishery issues: A Threat to Comprehensive Security

Abstract

Indian fishermen that cross the International Maritime Borderline (IMBL) into the Sri Lankan waters is a recurrent problem. The bilateral agreements of 1974 and 1976 between India and Sri Lanka, clearly demarcates and designates the waters between the two countries establishing the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL). These agreements were governed by the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Yet, Indian fishermen in large numbers cross over to the Sri Lankan waters in pursuit of fishing within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka. “Not so Deep Blue Sea” – which refers to the narrow strip of water that consists of the Palk Bay, and the Gulf of Mannar which separates India and Sri Lanka, remains controversial to this problem. Indian fishermen crossing the IMBL amounts to violation of the agreements between the two states, as well as their method of fishing, which is bottom trawling also remain illegal causing destruction to the marine - eco destruction as well as posing a security threat. Security in the present context has transcended the boundaries of two extreme polar of traditional and human security to comprehensive security to include all aspects of security as a whole to benefit states and humans alike. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of this fishery issue on comprehensive security. Further, this research will endeavor to examine as to why the solutions sought thus far have not had significant results as expected and how to minimize the threat to comprehensive security is such situations. The research methodology used for this study is exploratory research. The collection of data will be conducted through qualitative interviews of various stake holders and available literature. The Grounded Theory will be used for data analysis taking the fishery conflict as a core category and its impact of traditional and human security as sub categories.