Four (04) persons held in Mannar for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber

A coordinated search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard in the sea area of Pesalai, Mannar on 28th April 2024 led to the apprehension of 04 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of 343 illegally harvested sea cucumbers and 02 trawlers.

To prevent illegal fishing practices in Sri Lanka's sea and coastal areas, the Navy is actively monitoring and enforcing operations, with a view to support legal fishing activities.

As an extension of these efforts, Naval Detachment Pesalei belonging to SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command carried out this search operation with the assistance of Sri Lanka Coast Guard in Pesalai sea area. The operation led to the apprehension of 04 individuals for their involvement in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber. Moreover, 343 illegally harvested sea cucumbers and 02 trawlers used for this illegal act were also held in this operation.

The apprehended individuals (04) were identified as residents of Mannar and Pesalai, who are from 25 to 52 years of age. The suspects along with sea cucumbers and 02 trawlers were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for onward legal action.