The IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group
Tsunami Impact On Fishers In Sri Lanka
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Tsunami Impact On Fishers In Sri Lanka
Lyn Robinson
In Sri Lanka, the tsunami resulted in a loss of
22,940 fishing boats
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Aside from the loss of human lives, one of the biggest impacts of the tsunami of Dec 26 in Sri Lanka was the loss of
livelihoods. The fishing industry in Sri Lanka was the hardest hit, with approximately 80% of coastal fishing areas
destroyed or damaged. A total of 22,940 fishing boats were lost. Of these, 12,000 were the craft of artisinal fishers.
Currently over 200,000 people are displaced and live in tents and temporary shelters in refugee camps. Fishers, most of whom
have lost everything they own, sit idle with no means to regain their source of income. They and their families are dependent
on relief from international agencies.
The government, NGOs, and individuals have responded generously to the crisis in the fishing industry. Decommissioned EU craft,
funds for repairs, and nets are being donated. However, the scale of the problem is daunting and much of the focus has been
on larger, off shore boats. Those who need help the most – the small-scale artisanal fishers – may wait months or even years
to recover their livelihoods and their dignity.
One step in restoring this dignity was taken recently on the east coast at Pottuvil. At a cost of only $1500, repairs were
made to a fibreglass beach seine vessel. Last week, for the first time since the tsunami, it put out to sea. Although it
is only one craft, the re-launch is significant. This step towards normalcy breaks through a psychological barrier. It
signals a return to life and to self-determination for the 60 men and women who make up the crew on board and on the beach.
Please help the tsunami victims. One way to be sure that the funds reach the fishermen directly is to make a donation to
Mercy Corps. I'll be with them for the next 3 months and if the donation is earmarked for fishers, I can manage this myself
and make sure that it goes directly to those who need it.
(Lyn Robinson, who is a member of the SSG, has taken time off from her research and is involved in recovery and
rehabilitation efforts with the coastal fishers in Sri Lanka.)
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