IUU Fishing

Twenty-eight (28) individuals held for involvement in illegal fishing

In separate operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Police STF from 08 to 19 Oct 25, twenty-eight (28) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 08 dinghies in multiple locations across the island.

23 Oct 2025

Two (02) persons nabbed for illegal transportation of sea cucumbers

The Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Police Special Task Force, carried out a search operation in Welanithurai, Jaffna, on 14 Oct 25. The operation led to the arrest of 02 suspects transporting 1,240 illegally harvested sea cucumbers without valid permits, along with the seizure of the cab used for the transport.

16 Oct 2025

Forty-five (45) individuals held for engaging in illegal fishing

In separate operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Police STF from 29 Sep to 07 Oct 25, forty-five (45) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 11 dinghies, 02 canoes and 01 cab in multiple locations across the island.

13 Oct 2025

Navy nabs 02 suspects with smuggled Kendu leaves in Kalpitiya

During operations conducted on 08 and wee hours of 09 Oct 25, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 05 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 47 Indian fishermen, while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar and off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

09 Oct 2025

Navy nabs 36 individuals in crackdown on illegal fishing practices

In separate operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from 16 to 25 Sep 25, thirty-six (36) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 13 dinghies and 02 canoes in multiple locations across the island.

29 Sep 2025

Seventy eight (78) persons collared for involvement in illegal fishing

In separate operations in the past two weeks, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended seventy-eight (78) individuals engaged in illegal fishing activities across the island's waters from 01 to 15 September 2025.

20 Sep 2025

Twenty nine (29) persons collared for involvement in illegal fishing

In separate operations conducted by the Navy from 19 to 31 Aug 25, twenty nine (29) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 08 dinghies and a traditional boat (01) in multiple locations across the island.

04 Sep 2025

Navy nabs 12 individuals in crackdown on illegal fishing practices

In separate operations conducted by the Navy from 10 to 19 Aug 25, twelve (12) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 03 dinghies in multiple locations across the island.

21 Aug 2025

Navy nabs 16 individuals in crackdown on illegal fishing practices

In separate operations conducted by the Navy from 01 to 10 Aug 25, sixteen (16) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 06 dinghies and a traditional boat (01) in multiple locations across the island.

12 Aug 2025

Navy seizes an Indian fishing boat poaching in island waters, north of Mannar

During an operation conducted on 09 Aug 25, the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat (01) and apprehended 07 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, north of Mannar.

10 Aug 2025