Navy apprehends four persons engaged in illegal catching of sea cucumber

Four (04) persons who engaged in illegal catching of sea cucumber were apprehended by Navy during a patrol carried out at the Palleimunai beach area in Mannar on 09^th December 2019.

Keeping with Sri Lanka Navy’s efforts to restrain illegal fishing in the country’s territorial waters, a raid was carried out aiming Palleimunai beach area in Mannar. During the raid, a suspicious boat was inspected and onboard, discovered 409 Sea Cucumbers. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the fishermen had conducted poaching without a valid license. The apprehended, aged 34,36, 43 and 45 have been identified as residents of Mannar area.

Navy personnel seized 02 dinghies, 02 OBMs, 409 Nos. of illegally caught sea cucumbers, during the raid. The apprehended persons along with the dinghies, OBMs, stock of sea cucumber and other fishing gears were handed over to the Inspector of Fisheries-Mannar for further investigation.