Sri Lanka arrests 328 Indian fishermen for poaching this year

Sri Lanka's navy has arrested 328 Indian fishermen so far this year for poaching in the country's territorial waters, a deputy minister said on Thursday.



Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage told reporters that the navy also seized 41 fishing vessels used by the fishermen.



He said authorities have intensified operations to crack down on the illegal entrance of foreign fishermen into Sri Lankan waters, noting a significant rise in arrests this year compared to 2024.



Gamage said the navy is supported in these efforts by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and the Sri Lankan Police.



He stressed that foreign fishermen who poach in Sri Lankan waters pose an existential threat to local fishermen and the country's marine environment, especially due to the use of destructive fishing methods banned in Sri Lanka.