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Arabian Sea fishing: Lankan vessels told to obtain Maldives’ permission before crossing EEZ
View(s):By S. Rubatheesan
Multi-day vessels of Sri Lankan fishermen that access the Arabian Sea via the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will henceforth be required to secure permits prior to entering its waters, according to a new procedure introduced by the Male government.
Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, told the Sunday Times the new procedure came into effect this week following a regulation adopted by Maldivian authorities on vessels passing through its waters.
“Vessels that enter the Maldivian territorial waters in violation of its laws are seized by the Maldivian security forces. The Maldivian authorities impose huge fines to release the vessels that are seized in this way, and having to pay these high fines is a huge financial loss that the vessel owners cannot afford,” the Director General said while stressing that the new rules must be strictly followed both when entering the Arabian Sea and when returning to land.
Accordingly, vessel owners are required to inform the Maldivian authorities at least 96 hours before entering its territorial waters by filling out the prescribed application form and sending it to two email addresses: compliance@fisheries.gov.mv and maldivestansitdfar@gmail.com.
It is mandatory to submit the vessel’s registration certificate, departure form, crew details, a photograph of the vessel and a rough map with entry and exit points along with the application, according to the communique issued by the Maldivian fisheries department.
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