Sri Lanka, April 22 -- The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has announced a new set of procedures for all multi day fishing vessels using the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) while heading to the Arabian sea for fishing or returning to land.
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director General Susantha Kahawatta said vessels entering Maldivian waters in violation of their Government's laws are being apprehended by Maldivian security forces. 'The Maldivian authorities impose massive fines to release such seized vessels, causing unbearable financial losses to the vessel owners. The Department of Fisheries has no standing to intervene or represent owners in these legal situations. Therefore, these new regulations...