Navy apprehends 09 persons engaged in fishing using

Naval personnel apprehended 09 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in seas off the Norway Island, Trincomalee yesterday (15^th May).

Accordingly, a group of naval personnel onboard an Inshore Patrol Craft attached to the Eastern Naval Command, during a routine patrol, apprehended these 09 persons who engaged in fishing sans valid permit and using unauthorized fishing nets in the sea area off the Norway Island.

The apprehended persons have been identified as residents of Kinniya in Trincomalee, from 24 to 63 years of age. Along with the suspects 01 dinghy, 01 outboard motor (OBM) and a 225m long unauthorized fishing net were also seized by the Navy.

The 09 persons together with the dinghy, OBM, unauthorized fishing net and other fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Trincomalee for onward investigation, through Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

As a result of using unauthorized fishing nets and gear by a handful of people, the fish stock and marine ecosystem are subjected to unprecedented threat in recents times. As such, the Navy remains vigilant and conducts patrols to curb these kinds of illegal acts taking place at sea.