Mangala for ban on fishing harmful to marine eco-systems worldwide
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has called for the discontinuation and banning of all fishing methods that harm marine eco-systems worldwide, singling out bottom trawling in particular. He made the remarks while participating in the ‘Our Ocean Conference 2016’ at the US State Dept in Washington D.C.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Samaraweera also outlined steps taken by Sri Lanka (SL) to protect the country’s marine environment. He revealed that SL was currently in the process of drafting a national policy for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of mangrove ecosystems. He also recalled that, in July this year, President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as Minister of Environment, inaugurated the world’s first mangrove museum.
SL has already declared nine Marine Protected Areas in various parts of the country, while four new areas providing habitats for marine mammals, coral, migratory and shore birds, and other marine life will also be declared as Marine Protected Areas shortly, the minister revealed.
“By the end of this year, we will complete the construction of a sea turtle conservation complex to treat and provide a sanctuary for injured turtles, and educate and create awareness among the local communities.”
"The Sea Mammals Regulations of SL will also be reviewed and amended," he added.
Pointing out that, a third of the country’s population lives along the coastal belt, Mr. Samaraweera noted new activities to protect these communities and assess the impact of sea-level rise and climate change will be introduced.
Furthermore, he pledged SL would implement and improve the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan that will delineate responsibilities for the operational response to oil spills, and increase cooperation across sectors to coordinate and integrate their resources to respond effectively.
Arrangements are presently under way to hold the ‘Sri Lanka NEXT – Blue-Green Era confer- ence’ in Colombo, with the goal of promoting sustainable development through blue-green economic initiatives. This conference will take place in parallel with the 5th Asia Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum next month, it was further noted.
The minister also drew attention to the country’s fishing industry and steps taken to ensure sustainable fishing.
“We will conduct a survey of fish resources and establish a robust fisheries information system by 2018; introduce environment-friendly fishing gear; prohibit destructive fishing gear; and introduce an effective fisheries management system through vessel monitoring and enforcement of relevant laws.” The minister outlined SL’s commitment to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and pointed out that, in recognition of the positive steps taken by the country, in addressing issues linked to IUU fishing, the EU had lifted the a ban on export of fisheries products from SL in June, this year.
The Conference was held at the US State Dept on September 15-16 and was attended by representatives of approximately 100 countries, including Heads of State and Government, Ministers, officials, academia, NGO community, leaders from the public and private sector and young people.
The Conference which was inaugurated by the US Secretary of State John Kerry, was also addressed by US President Barack Obama.
Pointing out that, a third of the country’s population lives along the coastal belt, Mr. Samaraweera noted new activities to protect these communities and assess the impact of sea-level rise and climate change will be introduced.