• Authorities call for tech solutions to monitor in real-time local vessels deliberately disabling VMS

A high-level meeting was held at the Parliament premises on Tuesday (11) to review strategies for curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and illicit activities in Sri Lankan waters including poaching. 

The discussion focused on preventive measures, law enforcement actions, and inter-agency cooperation to effectively counter these emerging challenges. Several key issues, including poaching by local and foreign fishing vessels in local waters, expediting court cases related to arrested fishing boats, the use of unauthorised radio frequencies, and non-fishing activities such as smuggling carried out under the guise of fishing were taken up for deliberation at the meeting. Particular attention was given to the practice of local fishing vessels deliberately disabling their Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to engage in unlawful fishing and illicit activities within prohibited areas.

The participants highlighted the urgent need to strengthen maritime law enforcement, enhance inter-agency coordination, and implement technological solutions to ensure the real-time monitoring of fishing vessels. The importance of enforcing strict legal actions against violators to protect national fisheries resources and the livelihoods of legitimate fishermen was also underscored.