Navy apprehends 7 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing activities
 
 

Naval personnel apprehended 7 local fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing practices at two separate locations yesterday (13). Accordingly, naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijayaba located in Nilaveli belonging to the Eastern Naval Command, arrested 2 fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing activities using explosives, in the sea area off Nilaveli. Along with the suspects, a dinghy and 544 kg of fish that made ready for transportation were also taken into naval custody. The arrested persons and items were handed over to Fisheries Inspector, Trincomalee for onward action.

On the same day, another 5 fishermen were apprehended, by the naval personnel attached to SLNS Gajaba located in Mannar in the North Central Naval Command, for harvesting sea cucumbers without a valid license. The naval personnel also took a dinghy and 3 pairs of diving fins into their custody. The apprehended persons and belongings were produced to Mannar Assistant Directorate of Fisheries for onward legal action.