02 Indian trawlers seized & 22 Indian fishermen arrested in Sea of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian trawlers with 22 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The apprehension was made in northern waters of Sri Lanka, during a patrol carried out on the night of 23rd February 2022.

Considering the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and threats to the biodiversity of the country's marine environment, the Navy has been conducting regular patrols and operations to curb such illegal activities of foreign fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.

The apprehension was made during a patrol carried out by a Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF), attached to the Northern Naval Command in Sri Lankan waters north of Kankasanthurai and northwest of Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna.

Thus, the Navy took hold of the 02 Indian trawlers with 22 Indian fishermen while practicing the illegal fishing method known as ‘bottom trawling’ in island waters, through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The Navy also seized a stock fish caught illegally by this fishing method.

The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols and arrangements are being made to hand over the Indian poaching vessels and fishermen held in the operation to relevant authorities.

Including the 02 Indian trawlers seized, the Navy took hold of 08 Indian fishing vessels with 51 fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters, thus far in the month of February 2022.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy remains committed to carry out regular operations with a view to safeguard the security in Sri Lankan waters while protecting the fishery resources of the country and the livelihood of local fishermen.