"Law enforcement is one way of solution to Indo-SL fisheries issues on Bottom Trawling" Says Thomas Kocherry, Special Invitee, WFFP

The Indian-Sri Lankan fsheries issues are emerging as a one of the most serious issues within the fisheries sector. On one hand it is about reclaiming Katchchthivu island back to India. On the other hand the Indian bottom trawlers are invading the Sri Lankan waters which Sri Lankan fishers in the north of the country are opposing vehemently.
With the latest press release issued by Thomas Kocherry of WFFP has exposed another angle of the reservation on the botom trawling by Tamil Nadu fishers. There is big tension between the Tamil Nadu small scale fishers and Bottom trawl operting communities.
So, the work of ARIF, NFF, NAFSO and many other organizations involved should have take serious attention to solve this problem amicably and according to Tomas Kocherry, it is about Law and Order and Law enforcement issue of Indian, government, Specifically the Tamil Nadu government.
Here is the Press release of Thomas Kocherry, Special Invitee to the WFFP Coordination Committee.

Herman Kumara.
07.04.10




Press Note
There was a fierce fight between Sri Lankan Fishermen and Tamilnadu Mechanised boats who are doing bull trawling in Rameswaram and Kachiadeepu area.. Bull trawling is banned. And hence Ramnadu Traditional Fish Workers Union is also opposing bull trawling. This clash has ended in the death of one of the fishermen. Boats were destroyed. The Government is not maintaining the law and order and not implementing the Tamilnadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act. As a result this continuous law and order problem occurs.

Ramnadu Traditional Fishworkers’ Union President Paulsamy says that the union is going to start to start agitation stop Bull Trawling Completely. This is important to maintain peace between India and Sri Lanka. Thomas Kocherry in a special Press note says that Government of Tamilnadu is responsible for the Law and Problem arisen in Rameswaram area. Let them stop it by implementing Marine Fishing Regulation Act.

Thomas Kocherry
Special Invitee to WFFP
Manavalakurichy
Tamilnadu-629252
India
7-4-2010