Five (05) individuals apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy apprehended 05 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea area of Muddalampiddi in Kilinochchi and Nandikadal lagoon in Mullaitivu from 03 to 12 Feb 25. The individuals engaged in illegal night diving and fishing with unauthorized nets when the apprehensions were made. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 04 fishing boats and 250 unauthorized fishing nets used for these illegal acts.

The Sri Lanka Navy is continuously vigilant and conducting operations to curb illegal fishing activities along the country's coastal areas, with a view to ensure lawful fishing practices.

In extension of these efforts, SLNS Buwaneka in the North Central Naval Command apprehended 04 persons for engaging in illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers in the Muddalampiddi sea area on 03 Feb. Seventy-nine (79) illegally harvested sea cucumbers and a dinghy (01) were also taken into naval custody in this operation.

Moreover, SLNS Gotabaya in the Eastern Naval Command nabbed a person (01), along with 207 trap nets, 43 trammel nets, 03 nylon nets and 03 small fishing boats, during separate operations conducted in the Nandikadal lagoon on 09, 10 and 12 Feb.

The persons held in these operations were identified as residents of Mannar and Wadduwakal areas, from 28 to 37 years of age. The suspects together with fishing boats and unauthorized fishing gear were handed over to the Fisheries Inspectors in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu for onward legal action.