The Sri Lanka Navy conducted special operations to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters in the evening of 28th October 2023 and this morning (29th October 2023). The separate operations led to the seizure of 05 Indian trawlers with 37 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Mannar as well as near the Delft Island, Jaffna.

The Navy remains committed to conducting routine patrols and operations within Sri Lankan waters to deter the unlawful fishing activities of foreign trawlers. This effort is driven by an understanding of the impact of such practices on the livelihoods of local fishermen and the marine resources of the country.

In similar operations, the North Central Naval Command and Northern Naval Command deployed its Fast Attack Craft, Inshore Patrol Craft and small craft to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters on 28th October 2023 and this morning (29th October 2023).

In these operations, the North Central Naval Command held 03 Indian poaching trawlers that continued to remain in island waters off Mannar, with 23 Indian fishers aboard. In the same vein the Northern Naval Command apprehended 02 Indian poaching trawlers with 14 Indian fishermen who were poaching near the Delft Island.

The apprehended Indian fishermen (37) and the poaching trawlers (05) were brought to the Talaimannar Pier and Kankesanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Talaimannar and Jaffna Fisheries Inspectors for onward legal action.

Including the poaching trawlers held in this operation, the Sri Lanka Navy has seized 27 Indian poaching trawlers and apprehended 174 Indian fishermen thus far in 2023. Following these apprehensions, the poaching trawlers and fishermen have been handed over to relevant authorities for legal action.

(Source & pics – navy.lk)