Navy seizes two Indian trawlers for poaching in Sri Lankan waters

The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended two Indian trawlers, along with 16 Indian fishermen, for poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during separate patrols carried out on the night of 23rd March 2022.

Considering the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and threats to the biodiversity of the country’s marine environment, the Navy has been conducting regular patrols and operations to curb such illegal activities, SLN spokesperson said.

The Indian trawlers were intercepted northwest of Delft and Iranativu in Mannar while ‘bottom trawling’ after having crossed the International Maritime Boundary ). The Navy also seized a stock of fish caught illegally.