Sri Lankan Fishermen: A Potential Maritime Security Concern

Abstract

End of LTTE terrorism was a key factor in the rapid growth of fisheries activities in Sri Lanka. The relaxation of various restrictions imposed on fishermen helped the expansion of fisheries activities to a greater extent. Number of illegal activities (human smuggling, drug trafficking, IUU fishing etc.) has taken place with the involvement of local fishermen in the recent past posing a challenge to maritime security. Therefore, having an effective surveillance of fishing activities both inland and in the marine environment is important. It is in this context, immediate attention is required to be drawn to maritime security and the activities of local fishing fleet to ensure fishing is not emerging as a maritime security challenge.