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.

The Navy conducts regular operations in the coastal and sea areas of the island in order to suppress illegal fishing activities performed by people with scant regard towards responsible fishing practices.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Welusumana in the Northern Naval Command conducted this operation off the ‘K’ Point and in the sea of Vinayasodi. The search operation made way for the apprehension of 17 individuals who were engaging in illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers, without valid license. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 4255 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, 04 dinghies and diving gear.

The suspects held in these operations were identified as residents of Jaffna, Maniyathottam, Udayapuram, Gurunagar, Kurunaaru, Pannakuruppu and Arialei, from 21 to 56 years of age. The suspects together with the stock of sea cucumbers, dinghies and diving equipment were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Jaffna for onward legal action.