Navy nabs 26 individuals for involvement in illegal fishing

In a sustained effort to safeguard marine resources and uphold fisheries regulations, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a series of operations from 06 to 15 Dec 25 across multiple Naval Commands.

During these operations, naval personnel apprehended thirteen (13) dinghies and twenty-five (25) persons for utilizing prohibited fishing nets, explosives, and other illegal methods. These apprehensions were made by the Northwestern Naval Command in areas off Kandakkuliya and the Southern Naval Command in the sea areas of Galle, Balapitiya and Akurala.

In a separate operation on 12 December, the Northern Naval Command, in collaboration with the Jaffna Special Task Force, arrested one (01) suspect in the Jaffna area. The operation also led to the seizure of thirty-six (36) unauthorized fishing nets that were prepared for sale.

The apprehended suspects, along with the seized dinghies and illegal fishing gear, were handed over to the Puttalam Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Office in Galle, and the Jaffna Fisheries Inspector for legal action.