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"Enhancing Coastal Fishing Operations for the Well-being of Small-Scale Fishers: Infrastructure and Safety Initiatives in Sri Lanka"

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Aruna Sampath M. - 16:09:2023 Fishing is a hard occupation. Fishers face numerous challenges in their daily fishing operations. In light of the characteristics of fishing operations, the International Labour Organization (ILO) [i] and FAO [ii] have also introduced guidelines aimed at standardizing and enhancing safety in fisheries worldwide. Coastal fishing operations play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's fisheries industry, not only contributing significantly to production but also generating a substantial number of both direct and indirect employment opportunities. The development of proper infrastructure facilities for coastal fishing operations is crucial for the well-being of small-scale fishers [iii] and the sustainability of their livelihoods. This includes the establishment of efficient landing sites, designated areas for net mending, ensuring safe and accessible pathways to these sites, and providing ample space for docking boats. These essential facilities are instrume
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The BBNJ agreement, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, will soon be officially adopted.

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  In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly decided (according to the   resolution 72/249 ) [i]   to convene an Intergovernmental Conference under the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea to develop an international legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction   – (BBNJ ). The BBNJ has drawn international attention over the past 15 years [ii] . The president of the BBNJ negotiations is Ms. Rena Lee, Singapore’s Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues and Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs . In accordance with resolution 72/249, the Conference addressed the topics identified in a package agreed in 2011, namely [iii] :          ·          The conservation and sustainable use of marine BBNJ; ·          Marine genetic resources, including questions on benefit-sharing (MGR); ·          Area Based Management Tools (ABMT), including marine protected areas; ·    
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Fisheries Regulations relating to small meshed nets operation in Lagoons of Sri Lanka

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  The Fishing Operations Regulations of 1996 [1]   explain the fishing activities that can operate in the country.   Section three (3) of the regulation stated that        “No person shall engage in, or cause any other person to engage in, any fishing operation specified in Part I of the Schedule 'here to, in the sea, estuaries or coastal lagoons of Sri Lanka except under the authority of a license issued under these regulations and otherwise than in accordance with the terms and conditions attached to such license”.   Section     10 of the part 1 (SHEDULE) of the regulation shows that the “operations carried out by Stake Net (Kattu Del)   ("Stake Net" (Kattu Del) means a net consisting of a conical or cylindrical trap with or without a frame and with a device which draws the fish into the net) can be operated with the license given by department of fisheries.   Therefore it is clear that the Stake net is legally accepted fishing techniques that can function in th
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Dead turtles washed ashore in Sri Lankan beaches

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  By A. Sampath M :   20 th June 2021 Sea turtles have been around for millions of years . Declines in sea turtle populations are a major concern and today all sea turtle species are globally protected [1] . Under the schedule ii (section 30) of fauna and flora protection (amendment) act, no. 22 of 2009 Mammals and Reptiles that are Strictly Protected [2] . The sea turtles species have been included to in this scheduled.     There are   seven living sea turtle species recorded in the world [3] , five species were reported in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka coming for nesting: Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas),Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) [4] Turtles' nesting beaches of Sri Lanka  Sea turtles suffer from poaching and over-exploitation as a result of slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells. In addition to that habitat destruction, bycatch—in fishing gear, climat
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