The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will initiate an awareness program for the Sri Lankan fisherman on preventing illegal fishing, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development said. One of the contributing factors that led to the European Union to ban Sri Lanka’s fish exports was the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by Sri Lankan fishermen. The then government as well as the fishermen ignored the warnings of EU that instructed Sri Lanka to prevent IUU fishing and eventually it was resulted in a ban imposed against Sri Lankan fish exports, the Ministry noted. In order to comply with European Union requirements for preventing IUU fishing, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera has decided to initiate a program for a span of one year to raise awareness on the matter. Accepting an invitation made by the Minister, the FAO has launched an awareness program on measures to be taken in preventing IUU fishing with a view to avoid re-imposing of such a ban on Sri Lankan fisheries. Opening session of the FAO program is commenced today at the Galle Face Hotel under the patronage of Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. Multiple international organizations including FAO, EU and Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) attempt to curb illegal fishing activities since it adversely affects the livelihoods and welfare of the fisher community. The Minister said that all these organizations have agreed to extend their support to Sri Lanka.
2000, 2016 by LankaPage.com (LLC).