Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources

Investigation and Training Division

Law enforcement in the fisheries sector of Sri Lanka is vital for achieving legal compliance in the aspects of administration, fisheries and related operations, trade and conservation to ensure sustainable management of marine resources. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources plays a central role in enforcing fisheries laws and regulations across the country. Fisheries law enforcement in Sri Lanka involves various activities such as enacting rules and regulations, patrolling coastal waters, inspecting fishing vessels and other related fascilities,monitoring fisheries activities, regulating the inputs of the industry, enforcing legal limits and restrictions set out for the effective management of the fisheries sector. The DFAR employs authorized officers who work alongside other law enforcement agencies, such as the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard, to combat illegal fishing practices.
Additionally, the DFAR conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote compliance with fisheries regulations among fishers and local communities. Community engagement and collaboration are key aspects of enforcement efforts, aiming to foster a culture of responsible fishing practices and environmental stewardship.
Overall, effective law enforcement in the fisheries sector of Sri Lanka is essential for safeguarding the country’s aquatic resources, supporting sustainable fisheries management, and ensuring the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Objective

To build a better relationship among fisher folks,fisheries officers and other parties with a view to fulfilling the set objectives of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to sustainably develop the fisheries industry by means of the application of new technology and sound resources management in conformity with the international maritime laws and conventions for making an effective contribution to the national economy of Sri Lanka through the implementation of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act.Additionally, the DFAR conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote compliance with fisheries regulations among fishers and local communities. Community engagement and collaboration are key aspects of enforcement efforts, aiming to foster a culture of responsible fishing practices and environmental stewardship.
Overall, effective law enforcement in the fisheries sector of Sri Lanka is essential for safeguarding the country’s aquatic resources, supporting sustainable fisheries management, and ensuring the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Responsibility and Role

Training

Formulation of the annual training plan

Organization of training and capacity development programs for all the officers of the Department

Conducting training programs for the enhancement of professional education of fisher families

Organization and supervision of necessary training sessions on court procedures for the officials

Supervision of training programs in relation to the activities of issuing certificates to the skippers

Carrying out training programs pertaining to the introduction of novel technology to the fisheries industry

Monitoring of factory field training given to the students of universities and fisheries technical colleges 

Awareness Programmes

Formulation of the annual awareness programs

Conducting of regular awareness programs on fisheries law and lawful fishing operations for all the parties

Organization of awareness programs for fishers, which are conducted at district levels

Coordination of district offices and the other outside institutions in respect of the awareness pragrams

Awareness programs for fisher women on alternative income generation

Inspections and Raids 

Formulation of the annual inspection and raid plan

Supervision at the district level

Monitoring and raid on fishing boats, fishing gear, fish products, processing, and fisheries supply establishments

Inspection of all district offices, fisheries inspector’s offices, radio communication centers and harbor offices

Investigations

Formulation of the annual Investigation plan

Monitoring of district-level investigation activities

Grant of necessary permission to the District Assistant Directors to conduct raids on illegal fishing operations carried out within lagoons, beaches, coastal areas and EEZ

Supervision of the investigation Aquatic resources act into the violation of laws identified by the Vessel Monitoring System

Publishing special investigations and also serving a summons on the officers for special investigations

Supervision of all the coordination activities undertaken with the Attorney General’s Department with regard to all the investigations

Providing technical evidence 

Investigations into all the district offices, fisheries inspector’s offices, radio communication centers and harbor offices

Other Functions

Granting recommendations to the Director-General for the nomination of authorized officers in terms of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act and Fisheries(Regulation of Foreign Fishing Boats) Act

Supervision of convening the Board of recovering the administrative laws and implementation of the system of collecting administrative fines

Analysis of information on test reports provided by the officers who are participating in overseas tours and training and providing summary reports