Indian fishermen accused of poaching in Vadamaraadchi seas

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 10 July 2007, 10:42 GMT]
Vadamaraadchi fisheries union officials said Monday that fishing trawlers belonging to Tamil Naadu fishermen have again started poaching in seas off Vadamaraadchi and northern coastal areas. While local fishermen are barred from fishing at night and only allowed to fish during daytime within 1 km from the coast, the Indian trawlers are using night lights to fish, local fishermen complained. Fisheries officials said that poaching is possible only with tacit permission frm Sri Lanka Navy (SLN).

Several Indian trawlers were seen fishing off the coasts of Point Pedro, Munai, and Inparuddi areas of Vadamaraadchy north and along KKS coast Sunday night according to Vadamaraadchi fisheries officials.

Fisheries officials added that Indian trawlers have not engaged in poaching for several months and the resumption likely points to increase in fish stock in the northern seas due to the fishing ban on local fishermen.