Navy nets 32 suspects in crackdowns on illegal fishing activities

In a continuous bid to safeguard the nation’s marine resources, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 32 individuals during a series of coordinated operations against illegal fishing practices across local waters from 01 to 15 May 26.

The operations led to the apprehension of 30 individuals engaged in illegal fishing, along with the seizure of 13 fishing boats, 01 tractor, and a haul of banned fishing gear. A key highlight of the crackdown occurred on 10 May, when the Eastern Naval Command teamed up with the Kinniya Police for the coordinated search operation near Kinniya town, intercepting the lorry illegally transporting over 219kg of Thresher Shark and more than 06kg of Red Snappers (Thambuwa), resulting in the arrest of 02 more suspects.

These separate operations were conducted by the Eastern, Northern, and Northwestern Naval Commands in the coastal and lagoon areas of in the coastal and lagoon areas of Marble Point, Salpearu, Kinniya, Uppural, Kallarawa, Wattavan, Panichchankerni, Poonadi, Ulakkalie, and Nayaru in Trincomalee, as well as Batticaloa, Kaddaikadu in Jaffna, and the Ippantivu in Kalpitiya.

Following the operations, the apprehended suspects, along with the seized sea cucumbers, banned fishing gear, boats, and the tractor, were handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources offices in Trincomalee, Cod Bay, Ichchalampaththu, Mullaitivu, Kuchchaveli, Kinniya, Valaichchenai, Batticaloa, Puttalam, and Jaffna for onward legal action. Meanwhile, the 02 suspects caught with the conserved fish stock and the lorry, were handed over to the Kinniya Police Station for further investigation.

Remaining always vigilant, the Navy maintains a steadfast readiness to conduct operations to deter illegal fishing activities and ensure the sustainable preservation of vital marine eco systems.