The Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing trawler along with 09 Indian fishermen for engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off the Urumalei Point, Talaimannar last night (Aug. 12).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 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.