Navy apprehends 15 persons for engaging in illegal fishing using unauthorized nets

The Navy apprehended 15 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing using unauthorized nets, during patrols conducted in the sea areas off Kumburupiddi and Erakkandi on 08^th and 09^th June 2020.

The Navy has been conducting regular patrols in island’s waters for the prevention of illegal fishing practices. Accordingly, naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command during a search conducted in the sea area off Kimburupiddi, Trincomalee on 08^thJune managed to nab 07 persons engaging in fishing with unauthorized nets. In similar vein, another 08 persons who were fishing in the seas off Erakkandi, Trincomalee using unauthorized nets were held by the Navy on 09^th June.

During this operation, 15 persons along with 02 unauthorized fishing nets, 02 dinghies and several other fishing gear were taken into naval custody. The accused who are from 18 to 44 years of age were identified as residents of Nilaveli and Erakkandi areas. The apprehended persons together with their belongings were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Nilaveli for onward investigation.