Indian Vessels Seen Fishing Illegally Near Ihavandhoo

Two Indian vessels have been seen illegally fishing in the waters near Ihavandhoo (Haa Alif atoll).

Fishermen from Ihavandhoo who had sighted the Indian vessels had reported their activity to the relevant authorities. A fisherman from Ihavandhoo told The Maldives Journal that they had reported the vessels to the Coast Guard and the Ihavandhoo Council. He said that the Coast Guard has not yet responded to the call.

The Maldives Journal has found out that all Maldivian Coast Guard vessels are currently engaged in a joint military exercise run in the central Maldives by India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) declined to comment.

Indian fishing vessels often fish illegally in Maldivian waters using unsustainable fishing practices, such as nets. In most cases, the vessels leave without consequences. Earlier this year, an Indian fishing vessel caught fishing illegally in the Maldives had been released after pressure from India.