Sri Lanka is to install a national fishing vessel monitoring system (VMS) using satellite technology to monitor and track all fishing vessels in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development minister Dr Rajitha Senaratna said the ministry would set up the system before end of the year.
The system will help prevent Sri Lankan fishermen from violating international maritime laws or being charged with illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, he said.
Senaratna said the VMS system will stop Sri Lankan fishermen from getting swayed into the EEZs of other countries or fishing illegally in them or using unlawful fishing methods or gears.
He warned the country is at risk of losing its European Union Export Certificate to market its fish in their countries as a result of IUU fishing allegations that have been levelled against the country.
Senaratna also said once the system has been set up, services could be provided to fishing boats such as supplies of ice, fuel and food by transmitting vessels’ positions via satellite.
[Source: Daily News, Sri Lanka]
