AP Warns Tamil Nadu Against Illegal Fishing in Sea, Retains Seized Boats

New Delhi, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: Nellore: Andhra Pradesh has issued a stern warning to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry regarding illegal fishing activities occurring within its territorial waters. The state government has made it clear that incursions by mechanized fishing boats from these neighboring regions will not be tolerated, as they pose a significant threat to the livelihoods of local fishermen and the sustainability of Andhra Pradesh’s marine resources.

This issue was brought to the forefront during the recent Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu Inter-State, District-Level Committee meeting held at the Nellore Collectorate. This meeting served as a platform for officials from Andhra Pradesh to present substantial evidence of what they claim to be illegal fishing activities conducted by boats from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Following the meeting, Nellore district collector Himanshu Shukla addressed the media, stating that the Andhra Pradesh delegation had submitted various forms of documentary and technical evidence illustrating the losses local fishermen have experienced over the past three months. These losses are attributed to the repeated incursions of mechanized fishing boats from Tamil Nadu, which have been operating in Andhra waters without permission.

In order to substantiate their claims, officials presented a variety of evidence, including videos, photographs, GPS time stamps, and boat identification details. This evidence highlights not only the illegal fishing activities but also the ecological ramifications of such practices. For instance, large trawlers and the use of prohibited fishing nets have been linked to the deaths of protected species such as the Olive Ridley turtles, which are known to nest along the coast of Andhra Pradesh.

Collector Himanshu Shukla further revealed that seven boats, which had been seized from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, would not be released at this time, despite requests from the owners. This decision underscores the seriousness with which the Andhra Pradesh government is treating the matter. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Andhra Pradesh Fisheries Commissioner Ramashankar Naik, Nellore Superintendent of Police Dr. Ajitha Vejendla, and senior officials from fisheries, forest, and marine police departments. A delegation from Tamil Nadu, led by Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Director Dr. Vijayakarthikeyan, was also present, alongside Chennai Collector Malathi Helen. Notably, there were no representatives from Puducherry at the meeting, prompting Andhra officials to indicate that resolutions and evidence would be forwarded to the Puducherry government for appropriate action.

In a bid to prevent further incursions of fishing vessels into each other's territories, the Nellore collector suggested that all fishing boats could be equipped with functional transponders. These devices would generate automated alerts when boats approach their maritime limits, thereby enhancing monitoring and compliance with territorial fishing regulations.

During the discussions, several key issues were addressed, including the entry of Andhra Pradesh boats into Tamil Nadu waters, the reverse situation where Tamil Nadu boats enter Andhra waters, the employment of Andhra fishermen on Tamil Nadu vessels, and illegal operations conducted by small inboard and outboard engine boats. Collector Shukla specifically accused trawlers from Puducherry of entering Andhra Pradesh waters, damaging fishing nets, and depleting local marine resources. The Tamil Nadu delegation reportedly acknowledged the concerns raised by Andhra Pradesh and committed to convening a meeting in Chennai aimed at sensitizing fishermen to these issues and preventing further incursions into Andhra Pradesh waters.

As for the seized boats, the collector emphasized that decisions regarding their fate will be made after reviewing the actions taken by Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as obtaining further directions from the Andhra Pradesh government. This careful approach reflects the state's intention to navigate the complexities of inter-state fishing disputes while ensuring the protection of its marine resources.

In light of these developments, special sea patrols that were initiated in May under the directive of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will continue to operate under the supervision of the district police. These patrols are aimed at enforcing fishing regulations and deterring illegal fishing activities. Boats found to be fishing illegally in Andhra Pradesh waters will be seized and relocated to Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, where they will be held until further notice.

The implications of this situation extend beyond immediate fishing regulations. The livelihoods of numerous local fishermen depend on the health of marine ecosystems, which are increasingly under threat from overfishing and illegal practices. The Olive Ridley turtles, in particular, are a species of significant ecological importance, and their protection is crucial for maintaining biodiversity along the coast. The ongoing tensions between Andhra Pradesh and its neighboring states regarding fishing rights highlight the need for cooperative management of shared marine resources.

Furthermore, the enforcement of fishing regulations and the protection of marine biodiversity are not only local issues but also resonate with broader environmental concerns. As coastal communities grapple with the impacts of climate change and overfishing, the need for sustainable fishing practices becomes ever more critical. The Andhra Pradesh government’s actions may serve as a precedent for other states facing similar challenges, potentially fostering a more collaborative approach to managing shared marine environments.

In conclusion, the warning issued by Andhra Pradesh against illegal fishing by Tamil Nadu and Puducherry reflects a complex interplay of environmental conservation, economic livelihoods, and inter-state relations. As the situation develops, it will be essential for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards sustainable solutions that protect both the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishermen.