Navy arrests 7 fishermen engaged in illegal fishing
 

Naval personnel arrested 7 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing practices in two separate locations yesterday (18). Accordingly, 3 persons were arrested, by naval personnel attached to SLNS Mahaweli located in Trincomalee belonging to the Eastern Naval Command, for engaging in illegal fishing activities using unauthorized nets in the sea area off Cod Bay Fisheries Harbour. Three monofilament nets were also taken into naval custody along with the suspects. The arrested persons and items were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Trincomalee for onward investigations.

On the same day, naval personnel attached to SLNS Mahanaga located in Panama in the South Eastern Naval Command apprehended another 4 fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing by means of monofilament nets. The naval personnel also arrested a 2,500 m long unauthorized fishing net used for fishing. The apprehended fishing net and fishermen were produced to the Thirukkovil Fisheries Inspector for further investigations.