Seventy-six (76) persons collared for involvement in illegal fishing

In separate search operations conducted by the Navy from 26 May to 07 Jun 25, seventy-six (76) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended in multiple locations. The operations also made way for the seizure of 20 dinghies employed for these illegal practices.

These operations were conducted by the Northern and Eastern Naval Commands in Kadeikadu and Pudumathalan in Jaffna, Kalladichenai, Addukkupadu, Cod Bay, Poduwakattu, Kuchchaveli and Salpearu in Trincomalee as well as Palaminmadu in Batticaloa coastal areas. The individuals were held for their involvement in fishing with unauthorized nets, light-coarse fishing and night diving to harvest sea cucumbers. Apart from the 76 individuals and 20 dinghies, the Navy had also taken into custody 17 unauthorized fishing nets.

The suspects along with fishing boats and unauthorized gear held in these separate operations were handed over to the offices of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Echchalampaththu, Mullaitivu, Kuchchaveli, Cod Bay and Batticaloa for legal action.