1st March 2025 (10 Topics)
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Bottom-Trawling
Context
Former Sri Lankan Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to address the long-standing issue of destructive bottom-trawling, emphasizing that ending the practice would protect the livelihoods of fishermen in Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.
What is bottom-trawling?
- Bottom-trawling is a highly destructive and controversial fishing method that involves dragging large nets across the seabed to catch fish and other marine organisms.
- The process effectively scoops up not only the target fish and seafood species but also a wide range of non-target marine life, such as shrimps, eggs, and other organisms, along with seabed habitats like corals, mollusks, and other important marine ecosystems.
- This method is typically used to catch large quantities of fish and seafood quickly, making it a preferred practice in commercial fishing.
- However, it has several severe environmental and economic consequences:
- Economic and Social Impact:
- Impact on Local Fishermen: Small-scale, traditional fishermen, especially those relying on sustainable fishing methods, are severely impacted by bottom-trawling. The depletion of fish stocks reduces their catch, making it harder for them to earn a living. Additionally, bottom trawlers often damage local fishermen’s gear, further exacerbating the challenges faced by these communities.
- Conflict Between Nations: As seen in the context of Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka, the practice has led to tensions between neighboring countries, as illegal trawling in the territorial waters of one nation by fishermen from another can provoke diplomatic and social conflict.
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