49 Indian fishermen held for poaching

At least 49 Indian fishermen have been arrested for poaching activities in Srilankan territorial waters. Along with fishermen, 12 fishing trawlers were taken into custody last night and this morning, Navy said.

Two of these fishing trawlers were impounded in the waters northwest of the Delft Island and the rest were taken into custody in the seas north of Kovilan Point. These fishermen had ventured into Sri Lankan waters and practiced illegal bottom trawling which is considered as a destructive fishing method. 

Having brought the arrested trawlers and fishing gear to the naval base in Kareinagar and fishermen to Kankesanthurei, they are due to be handed over to the Assistant Fisheries Director in Jaffna for further legal action. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy on 03rd August facilitated repatriation of 77 Indian fishermen, who were released from Sri Lankan custody as a gesture of goodwill, after detaining them for poaching in the island’s territorial waters.