IUU Fishing
Navy seizes poaching trawler in Sri Lankan waters
The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters in the wee hours of 18th June 2024. The operation led to the seizure of 01 Indian trawler and apprehension of 04 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft Island, Jaffna.
18 Jun 2024
Navy nabs 15 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern waters
The Navy nabbed 15 persons for engaging in fishing with unauthorized nets, during search operations conducted in the sea areas of Vathirayan and Nagar Kovil in Jaffna on 13th June 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 04 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear employed for these illegal acts.
14 Jun 2024
Navy apprehends 16 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern waters
Navy apprehends 52 persons engaged in illegal fishing
During a series of search operations conducted in Trincomalee from 04th to 06th June 2024, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 52 individuals for illegal fishing activities. The operations, which took place in various locations including the sea areas of Gopalpuram, Foul Point, Yan Oya Estuary of Pulmoddai, Lankapatuna, and Alampil in Mullaitivu, also led to the confiscation of 10 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear.
06 Jun 2024
Navy apprehends 11 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in northern waters
The Navy nabbed 11 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Kadeikadu, Chundikulam, Kudarappu and Nagar Kovil in Jaffna on 31st May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 05 dinghies, unauthorized fishing gear and diving equipment employed for these illegal acts as well as about 1100 sea cucumbers.
01 Jun 2024
Navy apprehends 22 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy nabbed 22 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Nagar Kovil and Kudarappu, Kilinochchi and Adukkupadu, Trincomalee on 17th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 07 dinghies, about 400 sea cucumbers and unauthorized fishing gear employed for these illegal acts.
18 May 2024
Navy apprehends 08 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy nabbed 08 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Ambalanpokkanei, Mullaitivu and Poduwakattu, Trincomalee on 16th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 03 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear employed for these illegal acts.
17 May 2024
Navy apprehends 29 persons for engaging in illegal fishing

The Navy nabbed 29 persons for engaging in an assortment of illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Chundikulam and Kudarappu in Kilinochchi and Talpadu in Mannar on 15th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 11 dinghies, about 210 sea cucumbers, diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear.
16 May 2024
Navy nabs 02 persons with a stock of sea cucumbers in Silawathura

A special search operation mounted by the Navy in Pandaraweli beach vicinity, Silawathura on 14th May 2024 led to the apprehension of 02 individuals who were in the process of preparing about 3500 illegally harvested sea cucumbers for transportation. Along with the stock of sea cucumbers, a cab used for this illegal act was also taken into the naval custody.
16 May 2024
Thirteen (13) persons apprehended for illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers in Mannar

Search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard in Pesalai and Vankalapadu sea area of Mannar on 09th May 2024, led to the apprehension of 13 persons for illegal harvesting and transporting of sea cucumbers. The operations also resulted in the seizure of about 627 sea cucumbers, 07 trawlers and unauthorized fishing equipment.
10 May 2024