India-Sri Lanka Fisheries Dispute: A Call for Cooperation

• India and Sri Lanka have called for a meeting between fishermen to resolve the Palk Bay fishing dispute.
• The meeting stressed the importance of a long-term resolution that respects fishermen’s needs and promotes cooperation.
• The idea of talks has gained traction, with fishermen staging a demonstration in Rameswaram.
• Despite complaints about ‘destructive bottom trawling’, fishermen from the Northern Province have appealed for negotiations with their Tamil Nadu counterparts.
• The issue has humanitarian and livelihood implications, and marine ecosystem conservation is crucial.
• After Sri Lanka’s parliamentary poll, India should facilitate a conducive environment for northern fishermen to reach an agreement.
• India should push for the deepsea fishing project launched in 2017 for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen and promote alternative forms of fishing.
• New Delhi should also provide suitable schemes to help fishermen in the Northern Province, who are still recovering from the civil war.
• The northern fishermen should also understand the need for a reasonable period of transition.