The evils of trawling: Threat to Marine Biodiversity

Over-exploitation of environmental resources by humans defeats the ideal of sustainability. Trawling, a method of fishing, illustrates such exploitation. Trawling accounts for 57% of marine fish production in India.

As a result of lack of selectivity by the cone-shaped trawl nets used, both target and non-target species are collected without any difference. Even endangered species such as seahorses, which are protected under Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are not spared. The Stockholm to Rio Conferences as well as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 focus on sustainable use of marine resources. Trawling activities along India’s 7516 km coastline and spanning multiple coastal states defeat this goal. This paper highlights the various impacts of trawling on marine ecosystem. The authors will analyse India's position in light of various international conventions and domestic laws, the need for strengthening the laws, and the role of the Indian judiciary in protection of marine biodiversity. Further, we will highlight measures in various countries to minimise the effects of trawling and the best practices to be adopted by India. The paper will also delve into the recent controversy that has emerged between India and Sri Lanka on the above issue.