Group of persons held while harvesting sea cucumber illegally

The Navy apprehended a group of persons who were harvesting sea cucumber illegally in seas off Palaitivu on 13^th and 14^th January 2020.

The Navy remains vigilant to prevent illegal fishing practices in island’s waters. During a patrol in seas off Palaitivu, the Navy managed to apprehend 18 persons who were harvesting sea cucumber illegally. Along with the accused 04 dinghies, 04 outboard motors, 03 comsets, about 195 illegally harvested sea cucumbers (about 45kg) and diving equipment were taken into naval custody. The apprehended persons who are from 22 to 54 years of age, have been identified as residents of Mannar and Irukkulampiddi.

The apprehended persons together with the dinghies, illegally harvested sea cucumber and other equipment were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Velanai,Jaffna for onward investigation.