Navy nabs 18 persons for engaging in fishing without valid license

Navy apprehended 18 persons who were fishing in the sea area off the Elizabeth Island, Trincomalee without valid license on 12^th April 2020.

Sri Lanka Navy had been conducting regular patrols in island’s waters in view of protecting ocean and fisheries resources. During a patrol conducted in the sea area off the Elizabeth Island, Trincomalee, a craft belonging to the Eastern Naval Command had detected several suspicious dinghies in aforesaid sea area. When further investigated, naval personnel managed to identify 18 persons engaged in diving to catch fish. The suspects did not possess valid license for fishing practices. Accordingly, the 18 suspects along with 376 kg of illegally caught fish, 124 sea cucumbers 06 dinghies, diving equipment and fishing gear used for fishing were taken into naval custody.

The apprehended persons were identified as residents of Trincomalee area, from 28 to 55 years of age. The accused along with illegally caught fish, sea cucumbers, their dinghies and fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries of Trincomalee through Sir Lanka Coast Guard.