Blast fishing is a destructive method of fishing that has been rampant in Sri Lanka for years, causing harm to marine and human life, posing a threat to tourism, and now commonplace in the eastern seas.
This illegal practice involves the use of explosives to kill fish, which is not only harmful to the marine ecosystem but also poses a direct threat to the lives of the fishermen involved. The impact of blast fishing is severe and affects not only the fish population but also the coral reefs and other marine organisms. As a result, it has become a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Intervention required
All Island General Fisheries Federation Convenor Rathna Gamage has been vocal about the dangers of blast fishing. He noted that the practice was commonplace in the Trincomalee region, particularly along the east coast, and that it had become a significant issue that needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.
Gamage highlighted the adverse effects of blast fishing, noting that it not only destroyed the marine life in the area but also caused damage to the reef and the seabed. The chemicals from the explosives also enter into the bloodstream of fish, polluting the waters and making the fish unsafe for consumption.
“We have seen this happening repeatedly over the years, particularly around the Trincomalee region along the east coast. It has become a serious issue. This is an illegal activity which destroys the marine life in the area and damages the reef and even the seabed. In addition, the chemicals from the explosives also enter into the bloodstream of fish while also polluting the waters.”
According to Gamage, the reason people resort to blast fishing is so that they can catch a large number of fish in a short period of time. However, as law-abiding fishermen who cared for the seas and marine life, Gamage noted that they had continuously urged the Government to take action to stop this practice.
Although the fishermen have reached out to various authorities, including the Eastern Province Governor, divisional secretaries, the Navy, and the Police to address this issue, their efforts have not been fruitful. Gamage noted that blast fishing was still being carried out and that it was time for the authorities to put a stop to it.
Long-term risks
National Fisheries Solidarity Organisation (NAFSO) National Coordinator Herman Kumara echoed Gamage’s sentiments, noting that blast fishing destroyed the coral reef and small fishes. He stated that the coastal ecology was in danger and that its long-term sustainability was at risk.
Kumara explained that blast fishing destroyed the fishing grounds and the fish population could not be restored. Moreover, the mature fish are also killed in large numbers, hindering fish reproduction.
Kumara also pointed out that when dynamite exploded in the water, the fish that were not killed were frightened away and they did not return to the area for extended periods of time. This affects the small-scale fishermen and other fishermen who frequent that area.
He noted that this posed a danger not only to the fish resources but also to the fishermen who operated the dynamite and other explosives. Therefore, blast fishing is not only harmful to the marine ecosystem but also poses a direct threat to the lives of the fishermen involved.
“When dynamite explodes in the water, the fish that aren’t killed are dispersed and they don’t return to the area for a long time. This affects the small-scale fishermen and the fishermen who frequently fish in that area. This is a real danger not only to the fish resources but also to the fishermen who operate the dynamite and other explosives, because there’s always a chance that it can explode in their hands. There is a direct threat to the lives of the fishermen who engage in this illegal activity and for these reasons, it is in fact a very counterproductive method of fishing.”
Kumara further noted that blast fishing had a significant impact on tourism. Tourists come to Sri Lanka not only to enjoy the sun and the year-round summer climate, but also to experience the coral reefs. Snorkelling and scuba diving are also popular attractions. However, when there are no fish due to blast fishing and other dangerous and wasteful methods, this will have a significant impact on tourism.
Navy on alert
Sri Lanka Navy Spokesman Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya also weighed in on the issue of blast fishing, noting that dynamite fishing was a significant problem along the east coast, particularly in the Mullaitivu area. The practice is illegal and the explosives are procured illegally from quarries.
“They procure the dynamite illegally from quarries which are given these explosives to carry out their operations. Sometimes even gelignite is sold illegally from quarries. We have found that dynamite fishing also happens along the south coast as well in places like Hikkaduwa.”
Wickramasuriya noted that the Navy sent patrol boats to apprehend any perpetrators if they received information about blast fishing. However, he added that they needed the full support of the fisheries inspectors, which they were not receiving.
“Additionally, another issue is that there aren’t any harbours in the Mullaitivu area, so the small boats that go there can only operate when the sea isn’t too rough. If we find this happening during our routine patrols, we will definitely arrest the perpetrators.”