COLOMBO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has introduced new procedures for multi-day fishing trawlers entering the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone, a senior official said.
According to local media reports on Tuesday, Director General of the Department Susantha Kahawatta said vessels that enter Maldivian waters in violation of that country's laws and regulations could be detained by Maldivian security authorities. Maldivian authorities impose heavy fines before releasing detained vessels, Kahawatta said.
Vessel operators must obtain prior approval at least 96 hours before entering Maldivian maritime boundaries, Kahawatta said. They must submit the vessel's registration certificate, departure permit, crew details, a photograph of the vessel, and a rough map showing the intended entry and exit points with the application, he added.
Kahawatta urged vessel owners and fishermen to strictly follow the procedures to avoid major financial and operational losses. ■
