Six-Month Ban for Fishermen Who Disable VMS or Cross Foreign Waters

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has announced a strict six-month fishing ban on any fishermen found illegally crossing foreign maritime boundaries or deliberately disabling the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) installed on their boats.

The regulation will take effect from February 1, and applies to both the skipper and the entire crew of any vessel involved in such violations.

The Ministry of Fisheries said the move aims to protect sustainability in globally recognized fishing zones and uphold international standards.