Blast fishing, an illegal and destructive practice, has plagued Sri Lanka for years, causing severe harm to marine ecosystems, human lives, and the vital tourism industry. This perilous method involves the use of explosives to indiscriminately kill fish, posing grave threats to both the underwater world and the well-being of the fishermen involved.
Rampant along the eastern coast, particularly in the Trincomalee region, blast fishing has escalated into a significant crisis demanding immediate attention and intervention, warns Rathna Gamage, Convenor of the All Island General Fisheries Federation. The consequences are dire: the marine life in the affected areas is devastated, coral reefs are damaged, and the seabed bears scars. The chemicals from the explosives further pollute the waters and render the captured fish unsafe for consumption.
Gamage emphasizes that the motivation behind blast fishing is the desire to amass a large catch in a short span. However, law-abiding fishermen, who hold a deep regard for the seas and marine life, have persistently urged the government to curb this harmful practice. Despite their appeals to various authorities, including the Eastern Province Governor, divisional secretaries, the Navy, and the Police, blast fishing continues unabated.
Herman Kumara, National Coordinator of the National Fisheries Solidarity Organisation (NAFSO), echoes Gamage’s concerns, highlighting that blast fishing inflicts irreversible damage to coral reefs and small fish populations. This poses a grave threat to the coastal ecology, jeopardizing its long-term sustainability. Notably, fishing grounds are destroyed, making the restoration of fish populations extremely challenging. Moreover, mature fish are indiscriminately killed, impairing the ability for fish to reproduce.
Kumara further points out that the explosion of dynamite in the water frightens fish that survive, causing them to vacate the area for extended periods, impacting small-scale fishermen and others who rely on these waters. Importantly, this perilous practice not only endangers fish resources but also the lives of the fishermen deploying dynamite and explosives, given the constant risk of accidents.
Beyond its environmental and human toll, blast fishing also bears economic consequences, affecting the nation’s tourism industry. Tourists visit Sri Lanka to relish its sun, year-round summer climate, and captivating coral reefs, often engaging in activities like snorkelling and scuba diving. However, when blast fishing depletes fish populations and damages marine ecosystems, it threatens the appeal of these activities, potentially deterring tourists and impacting the tourism sector.
Addressing blast fishing is not just an environmental imperative but also essential for safeguarding livelihoods, marine biodiversity, and Sri Lanka’s vital tourism industry.