Nine Indian fishermen caught bottom trawling in SL waters arrested, trawler seized
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka Navy arrested nine Indian fishermen engaged in illegal bottom trawling off Talaimannar, and seized their fishing trawler in the early hours of Wednesday (12). The detection and arrest were made during a naval patrol in the sea area off Urumalei Point, near Talaimannar.
The Navy said the Indian trawler had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and entered Sri Lankan waters, where the fishermen were engaged in bottom trawling using prohibited fishing gear.
It said the apprehended fishermen and the trawler would be handed over to the Mannar Fisheries Inspector for further legal action.
Bottom trawling is prohibited in Sri Lankan waters due to its impact on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
The Navy also highlighted the ecological importance of the Gulf of Mannar, including the waters surrounding Mannar Island and Adam’s Bridge, describing the area as an internationally and locally recognized marine biodiversity and conservation zone subject to specific fisheries management and environmental protection regulations.
-ENCL
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