On January 20, 2024, the delegates of the Governing Council Meeting of BOBP-IGO visited Dikkwita Fishing Harbour, one of South Asia’s largest fishing harbours. They learned about fishing practices and management measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka and held discussions with local fishers and officials.

 

Next, the participants visited the Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) of the Sri Lankan Fisheries Department, where more than 4000 multi-day fishing vessels (MFV), equipped with VMS transponders, are being monitored to ensure sustainable fishing practices are followed. Members discussed the benefits and constraints faced by the DFAR while implementing the VMS in Sri Lanka. They also requested the Sri Lankan Government to share its experience in VMS implementation with other countries.