IUU Fishing
Seventy-six (76) persons collared for involvement in illegal fishing
In separate search operations conducted by the Navy from 26 May to 07 Jun 25, seventy-six (76) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended in multiple locations. The operations also made way for the seizure of 20 dinghies employed for these illegal practices.
11 Jun 2025
Thirty-six (36) persons apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing
In a series of search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 10 to 19 May 25, thirty-six (36) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in the sea areas of Kotuwamada, Sallikovil, Erakkandi and Elephant Island, Nandikadal, Kalladi, Point Pedro and Alampil sea areas. The individuals were caught while engaging in illegal fishing practices using unauthorized fishing gear.
21 May 2025
Thirty eight (38) persons apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing
In a series of search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 21 Apr to 28, Thirty eight (38) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in the beach and sea areas of Kaddaikadu, Pudumathalan, Trincomalee, Kokilai, Chappel Island and Back Bay. The individuals were caught engaging in practices such as illegal light-coarse fishing and use of unauthorized fishing nets.
14 May 2025
Navy seizes 01 Indian fishing boat poaching in island waters, off Delft Island
Navy seizes 01 Indian fishing boat poaching in Northern waters
Twenty-six (26) persons apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing
In a series of coordinated search operations conducted by the Navy from 28 Feb to 09 Mar 25, twenty-six (26) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The individuals were caught engaging in practices such as illegal night diving, illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, and the use of explosives for fishing. The operations spanned multiple locations, including Nandikadal Lagoon, Back Bay, Manmunai, Erakkandi, Veththalakerni, Batticaloa Lagoon, Mannar, Kudiramalei Point, and Kinniya. During the raids, authorities confiscated illegal fishing gear, including 233 trap nets, 12 trammel nets, 11 monofilament nets, and 2,130 sea cucumbers, as well as 02 cabs and 04 dinghies.
12 Mar 2025
Navy apprehends 17 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers in northern seas
The Navy apprehended 17 persons for their involvement in illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, during a search operation carried out off the ‘K’ Point and in the sea of Vinayasodi, Jaffna in the dark hours of 01 Mar 25. The operation also led to the seizure of 4255 illegally harvested sea cucumbers and 04 dinghies.
03 Mar 2025
Navy nabs 07 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices
The Navy apprehended 07 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the beach and sea areas of Kinniya, Sinnaweli, Sallimunei, Nandikadal, and Vankalai from 19 to 24 Feb 25. The individuals had engaged in night diving and used explosives, when they were apprehended. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 02 fishing boats, 65 unauthorized nets, 04 detonators, 02 gelignite sticks and 04 safety fuses.
28 Feb 2025
Seventeen (17) individuals apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing
The Navy apprehended 17 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the beach and sea areas of Kokkadi, Nandikadal, Mullaitivu, Anawasala, Sinnapadu and Kadeikadu from 03 to 19 Feb 25. The individuals had engaged in fishing using explosives, fishing with unauthorized nets sans valid license and illegal night diving, when the apprehensions were made. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 12 fishing boats, 01 motorbike, 156 unauthorized fishing nets, 184 sea cucumbers and 22 conch shells.
21 Feb 2025
