The Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte, has confirmed that no Sri Lankan fishing vessels operating in the Indian Ocean have been affected so far by the prevailing military situation in the region.
He noted that the ongoing military activities are being carried out with specific targets in mind and therefore are not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka’s fishing vessels.
Kahawatte further stated that the Department is closely monitoring the safety of Sri Lanka’s multi-day fishing vessels operating near the Persian Gulf and in international waters. At present, between 2,000 and 2,500 multi-day fishing vessels are engaged in fishing activities daily in the Indian Ocean, including within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and international waters.
He urged fishermen to operate only within traditional fishing areas and avoid approaching any vessel suspected of being involved in military activities or any unfamiliar foreign vessel. Fishermen have also been advised to travel along the usual routes when leaving and returning from fishing grounds and to return to shore immediately after completing their fishing activities to ensure maximum safety for both vessels and crew.
The Director added that the Department’s Vessel Monitoring Centre and land-based radio stations, together with the Maritime Search and Rescue Centre (Colombo MRCC) operated by the Sri Lanka Navy, are functioning 24 hours a day to provide assistance during emergencies.
Fishermen can contact the Maritime Search and Rescue Centre via radio transmitters on frequencies 6215.00 kHz, 8291.00 kHz, and 4225.00 kHz.
The Department has requested all multi-day fishing vessel owners and fishermen to strictly follow these guidelines and carry out their activities with increased caution.
