Sixty - five (65) persons apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing

In separate operations conducted by the Navy from 09 to 22 Jul 25, sixty - five (65) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended in multiple locations across the island. The operations also made way for the seizure of 16 dinghies employed for these illegal practices.

These operations were conducted by the Eastern, Northwestern and North Central Naval Commands in Salpearu, Uppural, Polmalkuda, Nilaveli and Maleimunthal in Trincomalee, Ippantivu in Mannar and Mannar North coastal areas. The individuals (65) were held for their involvement in fishing with unauthorized nets, light-coarse fishing and transfer of sea cucumbers and conch shells without valid licence. Apart from the 16 dinghies, 05 unauthorized fishing nets were also seized in these operations.

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 Trincomalee, Echchalampattu, Puttalam, Kuchchaveli, Cod Bay, Mannar and Trincomalee, for legal action.