Six (06) persons held for using unauthorized nets to catch fish

During search operations conducted in Kalladi and Palchenai in Trincomalee, the Navy held 06 persons for using unauthorized fishing nets to catch fish.

The Eastern Naval Command and Batticaloa Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, during a patrol in the Kalladi beach area, Batticaloa on 19^th October 2019, held a person for engaging in fishing using unauthorized fishing nets. The suspect has been identified as a resident of Seelamunai, aged 55. An unregistered small fishing vessel and 12 unauthorized fishing nets were also seized during this operation.

Further, the same Naval Command while conducting a search on the Palchenai beach held 05 more persons who were using banned fishing nets to catch fish. Apart from these persons the Navy also seized 02 fishing vessels, 02 outboard motors, 300kg of illegally caught fish and a banned fishing net. Meanwhile, 03 persons arrived on the scene by a lorry and a cab to buy illegally caught fish, were also held by the Navy.

The Assistant Director of Fisheries of Batticaloa is conducting further investigation on the suspects as well as fishing vessels, unauthorized nets, vehicles and other fishing gear.

The use of illegal means to catch fish by handful of people is damaging the marine resources of the country. As such, the Navy is vigilant and constantly on the lookout to combat such illegal fishing practices.