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Maldives Fines Indian Boats ₹4.79 Crore for Poaching
28 Oct
Summary
- Three Indian boats were fined ₹4.79 crore by Maldives for illegal entry and poaching.
- Maldivian authorities seized three boats for using prohibited fishing gear.
- Fines must be settled for the detained boats to be released.
Three Indian mechanised boats, impounded by the Maldivian Coast Guard, have been slapped with a substantial fine totaling ₹4.79 crore. The vessels were accused of entering Maldivian territorial waters without prior permission and engaging in poaching using prohibited fishing gears. The boats had ventured out from Tharuvaikulam Fish Landing Centre on October 2 and were detained on October 12.
Maldivian authorities stated that the boats were operating within the nation's maritime zone and found with gill nets, a banned fishing apparatus. Despite claims by the boat masters that they fished within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and entered Maldivian waters unintentionally due to bad weather, logbooks were not maintained. This lack of records prevented verification of their fishing locations.
Consequently, each of the three detained boats has incurred a fine of ₹1.59 crore. This includes penalties for unauthorized entry, fishing without a license, and employing prohibited fishing methods. The vessels will remain under detention until the imposed fines are fully settled. Owners have the option to appeal the decision within five days.
