(Commonwealth of India)—As frustration continues over repeated incursions by Indian fishing vessels into Sri Lankan waters, authorities have moved decisively to tighten discipline at home, signalling that those local violations will no longer be tolerated. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has announced some of the toughest penalties yet against Sri Lankan fishermen who engage in illegal fishing practices or deliberately interfere with vessel tracking systems, as reported in the Daily Mirror.
From February 1, 2026, any vessel found crossing foreign maritime boundaries or intentionally disabling its Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) will trigger a six-month fishing ban on both the pilot and the entire crew, imposed under existing laws. Officials say the move reflects a growing concern about illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which threatens not only fragile marine ecosystems but also national security and Sri Lanka’s lucrative seafood export industry.
Director General Susantha Kahawatte asserted that protecting Sri Lanka’s hard-earned reputation for high-quality fresh fish is crucial. For thousands of coastal families, fishing is not just an occupation but the backbone of daily life and food security. Yet, he warned, the reckless actions of a few could have far-reaching consequences. Sri Lanka has previously faced the risk of international trade restrictions over fisheries compliance, and he stressed that the country cannot afford a repeat.
He pointed to two violations, in particular, that undermine Sri Lanka’s standing with international regulators: unauthorised entry into the Exclusive Economic Zones of other countries and the deliberate disabling of VMS equipment to conceal illegal activity at sea. Both, he said, run counter to international maritime law designed to conserve finite fish stocks for future generations.
Kahawatte emphasised that the new ban is not intended as collective punishment but as a preventive measure, shaped by extensive consultations with fishing associations and other stakeholders. The aim, he said, is to steer fishermen toward lawful practices, safeguard marine resources, and ensure the long-term survival of an industry that supports entire coastal communities. He urged all vessel operators and crew members to keep their monitoring systems active at all times and to respect clearly defined maritime boundaries.
At the same time, public concern remains high over the persistent presence of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters. Responding to a query from the Daily Mirror, Kahawatte acknowledged that no special new measures are currently in place to address these incursions beyond routine patrols and enforcement carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy. The Navy, he said, continues regular operations to protect the marine environment and the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Sri Lankan authorities say fishing vessels from Tamil Nadu frequently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line, creating ongoing challenges for maritime security and conservation. Of particular concern is the use of bottom trawling, a method banned in Sri Lanka because it damages the seabed and rapidly depletes fish stocks relied upon by local communities. Reports of such incidents persist despite periodic arrests and boat seizures.
In 2025 alone, the Navy took into custody 44 Indian fishing vessels and 346 Indian fishermen found engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, referring them for legal action. For many local fishermen, these numbers underscore a lingering sense of imbalance: while Sri Lanka is tightening controls on its fleet, the cross-border problem remains unresolved. Still, officials insist that strengthening compliance at home is an essential step in protecting the country’s fisheries, its international credibility, and the livelihoods tied so closely to the sea.
