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.

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard often conduct search operations in the coastal and sea areas of the island with a view to prevent illegal fishing practices performed by a handful of people, with a scant regard of repercussions of such practices.

As an extension of these efforts, the Naval Detachment Pesalai belonging to SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command, with the assistance of Coast Guard, carried out a search operation in the Pesalai area on 09th May. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 08 suspects for transferring about 180 sea cucumbers and seizure of 04 trawlers and fishing gear.

On the same day,the Naval Detachment Vankalapadu belonging to SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command and Coast Guard nabbed 05 more individuals for their involvement in illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers in Vankalapadu sea area. During the operation, naval and coast guard personnel held 447 sea cucumbers, 03 trawlers and unauthorized fishing gear.

The suspects held in these operations were identified as residents of Pesalai, Mannar, Mangala Eliya and Dharga Town, who are from 21 to 59 years of age. The 13 individuals along with sea cucumbers, 07 trawlers and fishing equipment were handed over to the Mannar Assistant Directorate of Fisheries for onward legal action.