Navy apprehends a stock of fish caught by blasting explosive and 8 persons engaged in illegal fishing

A stock of fish suspected to be caught by blasting explosive and 8 persons who engaged in illegal fishing were apprehended by the Navy during the raids conducted at Wattama area in Trincomalee and at Thuduwa area in Kokilai on 19th August 2019.

Accordingly, 446kg of fish suspected to be caught by blasting explosive, two dinghies and other fishing gears were recovered during a raid carried out by Eastern Naval Command at Wattama area in Trincomalee on 19th August. Recovered items and fish stock were handed over to the office of the Fisheries Inspector-Muthur for onward investigation.

Further, 8 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing without fishing passes were apprehended during a foot patrol carried out by Eastern Naval Command at Thuduwa area in Kokilai. Seven dinghies and other fishing gears used by them were also seized by the Navy. These suspects are residents of Puttalam, Kokilai, Pulmude and Madurankuliya areas in the ages between 24 and 43. The suspects along with the seized items were handed over to the office of the Fisheries Inspector-Kuchchaweli for onward legal action.