Wed Jan 01 07:19:33 UTC 2025: ## Record Number of Indian Fishermen Arrested by Sri Lanka Amidst Depleting Catches and Harsh Treatment Allegations

**Rameswaram, India –** A dramatic increase in arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has sparked outrage and protests in southern India. A record 535 Indian fishermen were arrested in Sri Lanka in 2024, nearly double the number from the previous year, according to Indian government data. As of late November, 141 remain in Sri Lankan jails, with 198 fishing trawlers confiscated.

Fishermen report brutal treatment at the hands of Sri Lankan authorities, including beatings with guns and iron rods. One fisherman, Ashoka, recounted a harrowing experience in 2019, detailing being chained and held for a month. Similar accounts persist, with reports of fishermen returning with tonsured heads and facing heavy fines. The Sri Lankan Navy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not responded to requests for comment on these allegations.

The escalating crisis is rooted in the declining fish populations in Indian waters, forcing fishermen to venture into Sri Lankan territory. Decades of using destructive mechanized trawling, coupled with climate change and increasing plastic pollution, have depleted fish stocks. The limited fishing area available to Indian fishermen due to the proximity of the maritime border further exacerbates the problem.

While fishermen acknowledge the risk of arrest, they argue it’s a matter of survival. Many unintentionally drift into Sri Lankan waters due to currents or adverse weather conditions. The situation has been further complicated by a US ban on Indian wild-caught shrimp due to the lack of turtle excluder devices on many vessels, resulting in significant financial losses for the Indian fishing industry. Rising diesel costs also add to the economic hardship.

Experts highlight India’s role in this crisis, citing the promotion of mechanized trawling decades ago, which damaged the marine ecosystem. In contrast, Sri Lanka’s relatively healthier marine environment, due in part to its ban on trawling, makes its waters a more attractive, albeit risky, fishing ground.

The conflict underscores the complex interplay of environmental degradation, socio-economic pressures, and international relations. While the Indian government engages in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of arrested fishermen, it struggles to recover the confiscated boats—a significant loss for the fishermen. The situation leaves many fishing families despairing about the future, with some stating they wouldn’t want their children to enter the profession. The ongoing conflict and environmental challenges serve as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of environmental sustainability and human livelihoods.

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