A temporary ban on bottom trawling in the Puttalam and Kalpitiya lagoons in Sri Lanka from December 31 has resulted in a good catch of prawns, fish and shrimp after years for local fishermen who use traditional fishing methods.
At least 3,000 fisher families from 23 fishermen federations in the district depend on fishing as their sole livlihood in and around the lagoons.
Earlier, some 22 local vessels engaged in bottom-trawling in the lagoon which is included as part of the Wilpattu Ramsar wetland cluster. According to the demarcation brief of the wetland cluster, its Western boundary covers up to ten kilometres from the western coast that includes the Battalangunduwa and Palliyawatte islands.
Sinnakudiyiruppu fishermen Pappai Maraikkaar Mohammed Basheer said local fishermen had been protesting against the illegal bottom trawling for years but a temporary ban brought some relief to fisher families. The local fishermen who engage in traditional fishing methods alleged that their catch was reduced significantly due to extensive trawling carried out by bottom trawlers.
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https://www.sundaytimes.lk/220220/news/bottom-trawling-ban-produces-good-catch-for-fishermen-in-puttalam-and-kalpitiya-lagoons-473718.html