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| Sri Lanka Tuna Boat Owners Association | |
|---|---|
| Name | Sri Lanka Tuna Boat Owners Association |
| Formation | 20th century |
| Type | Trade association |
| Headquarters | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Region served | Sri Lanka |
| Membership | Tuna boat owners |
| Leader title | President |
Sri Lanka Tuna Boat Owners Association
The Sri Lanka Tuna Boat Owners Association is a trade association representing coastal longline and purse seine vessel owners in Colombo and across Sri Lanka. The association engages with stakeholders in Indian Ocean fisheries, liaises with ministries such as the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and interacts with regional bodies including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It participates in international fora such as meetings of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Trade Organization to address issues affecting tuna fisheries and export markets.
The association traces its origins to coastal owner-operators who organized following shifts in licensing under the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation era and post-independence maritime policy influenced by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Early development involved engagement with colonial institutions such as the British Admiralty and post-colonial agencies including the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Sri Lanka), while later decades saw connections with multinational companies like Thai Union Group and Stolt-Nielsen. During periods of conflict involving the Sri Lankan Civil War, the association navigated disruptions to port access at Colombo Harbour and Galle Harbour, and later participated in reconstruction with agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and International Labour Organization.
The association's governance typically includes an elected executive committee with roles comparable to leadership in organizations like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and the National Fisheries Institute. Membership comprises owners of longline, pole-and-line, and purse seine vessels registered at registries such as the Registrar of Ships (Sri Lanka) and licensed through the Coast Conservation Department (Sri Lanka). The association interacts with unions like the Ceylon Fish Workers' Union and with chambers including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to negotiate labor terms and market access. It organizes meetings at venues such as the Colombo Port City conference facilities and collaborates with academic partners like the University of Colombo and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Members operate fleets using gear and techniques comparable to fleets in Maldives, India, and Thailand, including longline, handline, and purse seine systems influenced by technology from firms like Shimano and Yamaha Motor Company. Vessels range from small artisanal craft operating near Trincomalee and Jaffna to larger refrigerated vessels servicing export chains to Japan, European Union, and United States markets under standards set by organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council and HACCP. The association addresses operational issues including crew training linked to standards from the International Maritime Organization and safety protocols influenced by the International Labour Organization.
The association engages in resource management dialogues with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and regional scientific bodies like the Bay of Bengal Programme and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). It contributes to stock assessments related to species such as Thunnus albacares and Thunnus tonggol and to measures addressing bycatch of Cetacean and Seabird species under guidance from the Convention on Migratory Species and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Collaboration with NGOs such as World Wide Fund for Nature and The Nature Conservancy supports adoption of best practices promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization including catch documentation schemes and traceability initiatives.
The association influences exports of tuna and tuna products to markets governed by trade regimes like the European Union–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (proposed) and regulations of the United States Food and Drug Administration. It contributes to livelihoods in coastal districts such as Hambantota and Matara and to supply chains involving processors like John Keells Holdings and exporters linked to global brands including Bumble Bee Foods and Tri-Union Seafoods. Economic interactions involve port services at Colombo Port, logistics companies including Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company, and finance from institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
The association participates in licensing and compliance processes administered by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Sri Lanka), marine jurisdiction matters under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and port state control inspections aligned with the International Labour Organization and the International Maritime Organization. It engages counsel on maritime claims in forums such as the Colombo District Court and interfaces with enforcement bodies including the Sri Lanka Navy and the Customs Department (Sri Lanka). The association also addresses certification requirements from bodies like the Marine Stewardship Council and audit standards imposed by the European Commission.
The association maintains partnerships with regional organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association and bilateral ties with neighboring fisheries agencies in India and Maldives. It works with development partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Asian Development Bank on projects addressing capacity building, sustainable fisheries, and value chain improvements, and collaborates with NGOs like Oxfam and Mercy Corps on community resilience programs. Institutional linkages extend to universities such as the University of Ruhuna and international research institutes like the WorldFish Center.
Category:Fishing organizations Category:Fisheries of Sri Lanka Category:Trade associations