Sri Lanka is ranked 51st in size of itsexclusive economic zone (EEZ) with a total size of 532,619 km2 (205,645 sq mi).[1] Sri Lanka's EEZ is bordered to the north and west byIndia in theGulf of Mannar andBay of Bengal; as well as in the west by theMaldives inLaccadive Sea.
In 1976, Sri Lanka legally defined the concept of EEZ in the"Maritime Zones Law, No. 22 of 1976".[2]
Ceylon participated in theFirst Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS I) in 1958 and ratified the following conventions.[3]
Between 1974 and 1976, theIndia–Sri Lanka maritime boundary agreements were signed and defined the international maritime boundary between the two countries. In 1982, Sri Lanka was an active member in the thirdThird United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) proclaiming her Maritime Zones. Sri Lanka has petitioned the United Nations based on scientific and other data to extend its EEZ beyond the current 200Nautical miles.[4]
TheSri Lanka Navy and since its establishment in 1999 theSri Lanka Coast Guard have been tasked with patrolling the maritime zones to prevent illegal activity.[5][6]
Indian fishermen fromTamil Nadu have been accused by the Sri Lankan fishing community of poaching within the EEZ, claiming that Tamil Nadu fishermen have been engaged inbottom trawling which has been banned in Sri Lanka since 2017 due to it severe damage to the marine ecosystem.[7] The Sri Lankan Ministry of Fisheries have estimated that damage of Rs 700 million has been done to the fishing gear of Sri Lanka fishermen by Indian bottom trawlers.[8] With over 1000 Indian trawlers engaged in bottom trawling at a time, theIndian Coast Guard and theSri Lankan Navy has been active in thwarting illegal maritime activities.[9] Confrontations at sea has led to several deaths on both sides, which included an Indian fisherman and a Sri Lankan navy sailor.[10] Indian fishermen and boats arrested in Sri Lankan waters are charged under the"Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No 2 of 1996" and released after the court hands them two years of rigorous imprisonment suspended for two years, retreat offenders are given prison terms.[11]
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