Blue Green Lovers

  Aruna Sampath M. On December 23, 2024, the Sri Lankan Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to execute the Agreement on Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). This decision underscores Sri Lanka's dedication to international collaboration in maritime conservation and the sustainable utilization of biodiversity in regions beyond its national authority. The approval highlights the significance of conforming to global initiatives aimed at safeguarding ocean ecosystems and improving collaboration among diverse stakeholders for the sustainable management of marine resources. What is BBNJ The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty, is a significant international framework established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It pertains to the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine biological diversit...

 Aruna Sampath M  Introduction Negombo, a coastal city in Sri Lanka, has a rich history of trawl fishing that primarily targets shrimp. Traditional sailboats have operated in this region for over a century, with two primary locations Porathota and Negombo City (back side of the Court) serving as the main operational hubs for these vessels. This article focuses on Porathota, where local fishers have formed the " Al Aksha Fishers Society " to support and advocate for the fishing community's needs. A Legacy of Sailboats in Trawl Fishing In Porathota, sailboats have been central to trawl fishing for generations. Initially, these boats were made of wood, but modern demands and material availability have led fishers to switch to fiberglass boats, which offer enhanced durability and resilience in challenging sea conditions. Currently, 26 sailboats operate in Porathota, each crewed by approximately four fishers. These vessels undertake trawl fishing expeditions lasting betwee...

 Aruna Sampath M The fishing industry is a significant contributor to the livelihood of Sri Lanka, a developing country with a per capita income of less than USD 4,000 (Sri Lanka Economy Snapshot | Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 2024.). Small-scale fishermen who primarily depend on coastal fisheries for their livelihoods make up more than 80% of Sri Lanka's fishing  population(Fisheries_Statistics_-2023_final_2024.10.02_compressed.Pdf, 2023.). However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation's economic crisis, which caused it to go bankrupt (Central Bank declared the country's financial bankruptcy on 12.04.2022) , have left Sri Lankan fishermen with a number of difficulties, chief among them being the sharp rise in fuel prices. Both high-sea, multiday fishermen and small-scale coastal fishermen have been negatively affected by these problems. These issues are made worse by the rising prices and deteriorating quality of fishing gear, which endangers the ecosystem and their financia...