The People’s Fisheries Commission

My mobile, on silent mode, vibrated again during a meeting. I peered at the screen, 'How U get involve and support this process?'. It was from Herman Kumara. The last few weeks has seen an interesting and fast moving campaign by CAFOD’s partners, National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO), from Negombo, Sri Lanka.

In response to the enormous problems faced by the fish-workers in Sri Lanka, especially since the immense destructive impact of the 2004 Tsunami, NAFSO has been pushing the Government to adopted, and fully implement, a national fisheries development policy. One of the key concerns which NAFSO feels should be urgently addressed is ‘saving the traditional Sri Lankan fishing grounds’.

The Tsunami did great damage, destroying many coral reefs where fish traditionally spawn as well as destroying 2/3rd of the coastal fishing vessels. During the down time, when Sri Lankan fisherman where no longer able to go to sea, bigger fishing vessels from foreign fisher nations, crept in. They are a now major threat to the traditional small fisher-workers of Sri Lanka.

In the rush to regenerate an income poor fisherman reverted to damaging and ecologically destructive practices such as using dynamite and poisons to catch fish. The Government is seen to be doing little to stop the spread of these practices, which could eventually destroy sustainable populations of coastal fish.

The ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka also has an immense and continuing impact on small scale fisherworkers, who form the vast majority of those employed in the fishing industry in Sri Lanka. Curfews and range limits preventing deep sea fishing, are frequently imposed in certain areas and fisherman frequently 'disappear' or are killed. They are from both sides in the violent ethnic conflict and are also victims of both sides.

The People’s Fisheries Commission, established by NAFSO, has been touring the coastal fishing communities, inviting local fisherman to share their experiences, describe the state of fishing in their area and how best the country can support, protect and promote the coastal fisheries. To highlight the progress being made and to address some of the issues being raised Herman Kumara, the Convener of NAFSO has being sending these daily SMS messages to all NAFSO’s contacts and supporters.

The Sri Lankan Government recently announced a fisheries Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Maldives. A protest orgsanised by NAFSO outside the Ministry building led to a meeting with the Minister, refered to in Herman's first SMS, and the cancelation of the MOU.

Here is a flavour of the imaginative way CAFOD partners NAFSO are using mobile communications and information technology to heighten awareness among the population here and to struggle for real change.

SMSs from Herman ......

Sent:
12/04/07 06:39
From:
NAFSO National Assoc for Fisheries Societies
Minister was thouroughly angry though some success with discussion. He Agreed to CFC involvement on fish marketing, Cancel MOU signed with Maldives company. But did not agree to cancel the lisences issued to foreign fishing vessels. Need vigourous campaign to achieve better impact collectively. Herman


Sent:
12/05/07 09:15
From:
NAFSO National Assoc for Fisheries Societies
Today,forth day of the People's Fisheries Commission meet people at Trincomalee. Commissioners found people much interested to share their issues and need indepth analysis and education to formulate Sustainable Fisheries Policy. Need deep animation process with appropriate practical action. TY. Herman

Sent:
15/05/07 21:24
From:
NAFSO National Assoc for Fisheries Societies
Today,7th day of the Fisheries Commission work completed at Tangalle. Number very low, but very fruitful dialogue with them. Hope there will be follow up work.

Sent:
13/05/07 19:32
From:
NAFSO National Assoc for Fisheries Societies
We completed Negombo, Puttlam, Kurunegala. Trincomalee & Pothuwil Fisheries Commission work today. People want Peace. War and tsunami affected people ready to come forward and take strong action with NAFSO/ANRHR. All fishers claim they need policy which help to sustain their life and livelihoods. 5 more days to go along southern and west coast communities and Polonnaru inland fishers tomorrow. How U get involve and support this process. TY. Herman

Sent:
18/05/07 06:22
From:
NAFSO National Assoc for Fisheries Societies
Final day of FC will meet people @ Kalutara today. The situation is alarming as people affected by tsunami, war, destruction & market forces are marginglized & helpless in coastal communities. Tsunami Guarantee Card given by MOF is just a paper & nothing provided 4 most people. Tsunami houses are another big issue 4 extended, leased & rented families . Fuel price hike & low fish price, destructive fishing should be addressed effectively. Amidst all war is the biggest threat to lives & livelihoods of the fisher people. We all need meet soon and analyse and plan an effective way to address all soon. HK

Sent:
17/05/07 19:58
From:
NAFSO National Assoc for Fisheries Societies
Day 9 FC met Galle Fishers @ Ratgama. Major issues of destructive fishing, irregularities of tsunami rehabilitation, tourism displacement & beach seine fishers issues were highlighted. Tom Kochery shared Nandigram experience @ West Bengal. People realized, People's policy a success with their commitment.

Sent:
18/05/07 19:00
From:
NAFSO National Assoc for Fisheries Societies
NAFSO completed the 10 days Fisheries Commission work today at Kalutara. More than 200 oral presentations and 800 written submissions from fishers, tsunami and war affected people in 10 districts. Around 1500 people participated the work. Nimal(CP), Malinie, Kochery and Herman served as the commissioners. Thanks to all participated, assisted to the work many ways, organizing the meeting, and success of the commission.

To find out more about NAFSO and the People’s Fisheries Commission do visit NAFSO’s website and if you have a moment send them a message of support and solidarity.