Navy apprehends 02 persons for engaging in light-coarse fishing in Mullaitivu seas

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and the Office of Assistant Director of Fisheries (ADF) in Mullaitivu led to the apprehension of 02 persons who engaged in light-coarse fishing off Alampil, Mullaitivu in the dark hours of 16th March 2023. During the operation, the Navy also seized 02 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used for this illegal act.

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. The operation was carried out off Alampil on 16th March by the Naval Detachment Nayaru of SLNS Gotabaya in the Eastern Naval Command in coordination with the Office of ADF in Mullaitivu. In this operation, the Navy held 02 persons for engaging in light-coarse fishing and seized 02 dinghies and fishing gear belonging to them.

The persons apprehended in this operation are residents of Kalpitiya area. The suspects along with their fishing equipment and dinghies were handed over to the ADF in Mullaitivu for onward legal action.