Navy apprehends 05 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in lagoons of Kalpitiya and Puttalam

The Navy apprehended 05 persons who engaged in illegal fishing practices, during special operations conducted in the lagoon areas of Uchchamuni in Kalpitiya and Serakkuliya in Puttalam on 20th and 21st October 2023. The operations also led to the seizure of 02 dinghies, 740 sea cucumbers as well as diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear.

The Navy carries out regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to prevent illegal fishing practices which threaten the sustainability of the fish stock.

Accordingly, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command carried out separate search operations in Uchchamuni and Serakkuliya lagoon areas on 20th and 21st October and searched 02 suspicious dinghies. The search operations led to the apprehension of 05 persons along with 740 sea cucumbers, 02 dinghies, diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear, as they were engaging in night diving without valid passes and fishing sans lawful license.

The individuals held in these operations were residents of Kalpitiya, from 27 to 38 years of age. The 05 persons along with the dinghies, sea cucumbers and other unauthorized fishing and diving gear held were handed over to the Kalpitiya Fisheries Inspector and Puttalam Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department for onward legal proceedings.