Sri Lanka is set to proscribe bottom trawling, one of the world's most destructive forms of fishing, according to a media report which said the move will send a strong message to Indian fishermen often blamed for it.
Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera will make an announcement in this regard on Thursday, Sunday Times reported.
Bottom trawling is an industrial fishing method where a large net with heavy weights is dragged across the seafloor, scooping up everything in its path, destroying coral reefs and sea grass beds.
Sri Lankan fishermen often blame their Indian counterparts of fishing illegally in Sri Lanka waters using bottom trawls.
"As many as 1,500 Tamil Nadu trawlers have been reported fishing illegally in Sri Lanka waters using bottom trawls," the newspaper said.
"The government's decision to proscribe bottom trawling will send the clearest message yet to trawler owners and the authorities in Tamil Nadu that the use of bottom trawling will not be tolerated in Sri Lanka," the paper said.
Sri Lanka had come under criticism from the EU for its irregular and illegal fishing practices. The EU fishing exports ban on Sri Lanka was only lifted last year.
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