The Navy has arrested 10 Indian fishermen and seized the vessel they were on, after they had illegally entered Sri Lankan waters and engaged in fishing activities using bottom trawling nets.
This bottom trawling vessel, which is over 80 feet long, belongs to Tamil Nadu, and it was apprehended in the Bathalangunduwa area and brought to the Dikowita Fishery Harbour.
Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mr. Susantha Kahawatte stated that the seized vessel was equipped with modern technological equipment, GPS maps, and fish-tracking devices. This confirms that the fishermen had intentionally entered Sri Lankan waters.
Bottom trawling fishing is prohibited by law in Sri Lanka as it causes severe damage to the fish breeding environment. A strong protest has been raised from local fishermen since these vessels are carrying out illegal fishing activities after entering to the Sri Lankan waters where they engage in their livelihood.
The arrested fishermen are scheduled to be produced before court by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, following medical examinations and other legal procedures.
