COLOMBO : The Navy seized an Indian fishing trawler (01) along with nine (9) Indian fishermen for
engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off the Urumalei Point, Talaimannar in the
dark hours of 12 August 2026.
The trawler had reportedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri
Lankan waters and engaged in bottom trawling when it was seized by the Navy.
The apprehended fishermen (9) and the fishing trawler will be handed over to the Fisheries
Inspector of Mannar for onward legal proceedings.
The Gulf of Mannar ecosystem surrounding Mannar Island and Adam’s Bridge is recognized
internationally and locally as a high-priority marine biodiversity and conservation cluster
subject to specific fisheries management and environmental protection regulations
