COLOMBO, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is planning to declare new marine protected areas in its northern waters to curb illegal fishing, protect marine biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods, the Ministry of Environment said on Monday.
The ministry said the proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody and Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara.
Officials discussed threats from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, including dynamite fishing, unauthorized spear-fishing and the use of banned fishing gear.
The ministry said suitable islands and surrounding marine zones in the Northern Province have been identified for possible declaration as protected areas. ■
