On 23 October 2012 Parliament of Sri Lanka passed important regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, the first one being the Sea Mammals (Observation, Regulation and Control) Regulations, No. 1 of 2012. The regulations were enacted by the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Services and Wildlife, Hon. S.M. Chandrasena MP, (UPFA) and published in the Government Gazette.
Sri Lanka’s territorial waters
are rich in marine mammal fauna and animal species, where a high concentration of blue whales and sperm whales were spotted in the seas of Dondra along the south coast of Sri Lanka. Also called Sea Cows, Dugongs feed on sea grass and other water plants that grow at the bottom of the sea. The Gulf of Mannar, in the north-western region Sri Lanka, is one of the rare spots where this
elusive species is found today. Although it is illegal to catch them, they get trapped in fishing nets and fall victim to fishing methods like dynamiting. New regulations have been implemented to ensure that the sea mammals’ behavior and habitats are not disrupted by vessels. The intention is to protect the migratory routs of these creatures given that marine mammals have been recognized as a valuable economic resource for tourism. These regulations are also intended to ensure the peaceful and natural existence of all sea mammals whose natural habitat is within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka. According to the regulations,
every vessel that takes visitors to places that inhabit sea mammals, should obtain a license specifically for that purpose from the Director-General of Wildlife Conservation. Moreover, all vessels should be registered at a cost of five thousand rupees per annum. The vessel should have full insurance and should be equipped with life jackets and other essential life saving equipment for both crew and passengers. A registered vessel is authorized to remain within the Zones specified by the Director- General. It is an offence to operate vessels without licenses and such vessels are liable to a penalty of one hundred rupees per day for every day in circumstances where the vessel is without a license. If any passenger wishes to
observe sea mammals by diving, the operator of the vessel should obtain the prior approval. Prior to taking passengers
out to sea to observe sea mammals, the passengers should be apprised of the need for conservation measures for the protection of sea mammals and the restrictions they need to adhere to. In the ensuing debate, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, MP, (UNP)
stated that the country could earn valuable foreign exchange by adopting proper conservation methods. A properly planned tourism programme was needed to expand this sector. He added Sri Lanka could learn valuable lessons from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and South Africa where successful sea mammal observation programmes existed. The Deputy Minister of Ports
and Highways, Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardana, MP, (UPFA) said that people from the coastal areas generally did not harm dolphins and whales because the sea mammals were closely linked to their economies. He continued that the country would benefit economically if tourism flourished in their areas. Fishermen were aware that although dolphins were friendly creatures, they were still occasionally killed by fishermen. He stressed the importance of strictly implementing laws in order to stop such activities. The Minister of Social
Services, Hon. Felix Perera, MP, (UPFA) said that marine mammals were greatly affected by sound pollution. Whales were especially harmed by the sounds of ship propellers, which also disrupted the breeding process. He suggested establishing sea sanctuaries. Hon. Chandrasiri Gajadeera,
MP, Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, (UPFA) stated that the disorganized methods of observing dolphins and whales had to be abandoned. Vessels that followed the mammals forced them to swim away from Sri Lanka’s seas. Hon. Sunil Handunnetti,
MP, (JVP-Sri Lanka) stressed the importance of adopting safety methods when observing sea mammals. At the end of the debate the Regulations were passed with the support of all Members.