SL Navy arrested 36 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters
December 16, 2020The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard carried out a special operation in several sea areas of the island on 15 Dec and nabbed 36 Indian nationals, 05 fishing trawlers and fishing accessories, the SLN said.
Although operations to prevent poaching by foreign fishermen in Sri Lankan waters, have been restricted since March this year due to COVID-19 concerns, the SLN resumed its raids on poaching, considering the impact of this wanton act on the livelihood of the local fishing community and the country's fishing resource, as a result of the surge in the arrival of foreign fishing trawlers in Sri Lankan waters, SLN also said.
Accordingly, during a special operation in the sea area off the Delft Island, Northern Naval Command had intercepted 03 Indian fishing trawlers.
It held 22 Indian nationals and those vessels for poaching in the island’s waters.
Elsewhere in the sea area north of Mannar and west of Kudiramalei Point, 14 more Indian nationals and 02 fishing trawlers were held by the North Central Naval Command and Northwestern Naval Command, respectively, for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
Further, all these search operations were conducted adhering to the COVID-19 preventive guidelines.
In the meantime, investigations are currently underway regarding the 36 accused and 05 fishing trawlers held by the SL Navy.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to direct the apprehended Indian nationals for 14 days of quarantine.
The Sri Lanka Navy will continue to undertake similar operations to prevent illegal fishing practices and other nefarious activities to protect the country’s marine resources.
