Writ petition of fisher-folk on June 29
The Court of Appeal yesterday (15) fixed for mention on June 29 the Writ Petition of fisherfolk complaining of trawling and other harmful nets such as purse seine (dragnet) nets lamenting that these are destroying the livelihood of nearly 2.5.million fisher-folk families.
When the matter was taken up before the Bench comprising Justices Vijith K.malalgoda (President of C/A) and Devika Thennakoon.
Petitioners cited State Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development Dilip Wedaarachchi, Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Dev Mahinda Amaraweera, Ministry Secretary Mrs W.m.m.r.adikari, National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA) Chairman Dr Anil Premaratne, Director General of Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development, IGP, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ravindra and the Attorney General as Respondents.
Lakshan Dias with Chandima Dunuwila appeared for the Petitioners. Petitioners state that from the inception the trawling was not welcome by the fisher folk all over the country as it takes most of the fish available in the territorial waters and damage
As per the circular purse seine fishing gear will not be permitted within 7 km from the shore and it is prohibited in certain districts
the entire aquatic resources in the sea bed including sea weeds, corals, all sizes of fish plus small as well as fish with eggs.
They lament that the Director General of the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development on the advice of the Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development issued a circular dated 22.01.2016 in relation to purse seine fishing gears (nets) and according to the said circular the purse seine nets other than those of the agreed size will not be allowed.
As per the circular purse seine fishing gear will not be permitted within 7 km from the shore and it is prohibited in certain Administrative districts the limit will be 10 km from the shore, they state.
They are seeking the Court to quash the said decision as per the said circular which permits those fisher folks to unload their fishing catch in the fisheries harbours and anchor spots.