Navy apprehends 08 persons for illegal fishing in northwestern waters

The Navy apprehended 08 persons who engaged in illegal fishing practices, during special operations conducted off Kalpitiya, Baththalangunduwa and Uchchamunai on 19th December 2023. The operations also led to the seizure of 03 dinghies, about 1995 illegally harvested sea cucumbers as well as diving equipment.

The Navy carries out regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to prevent illegal fishing which disrupts the balance of the marine ecosystem.

Accordingly, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command carried out these separate operations off Kalpitiya, Baththalangunduwa and Uchchamunai, deploying a Cedric Boat and an Inshore Patrol Craft on 19th December. The search operations led to the interception of 03 suspicious dinghies in those sea areas and apprehension of 08 persons along with approx. 1995 sea cucumbers and diving equipment, for engaging in night diving by illegal means.

The individuals held in these operations are residents of Puttalam and Kalpitiya areas, from 19 to 56 years of age. The 08 persons along with the stock of illegally harvested sea cucumber and seized items were handed over to the Office of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department, Puttalam for onward legal action.